One of the traits that distinguish good leaders from great leaders is the ability to take ownership of results. That is, great leaders take responsibility for the outcomes of their organization’s mission and task. For them, “the buck stops here.”

It’s not difficult to look forward to owning a good outcome: all leaders want to see positive fruit, whether it be revenues, productivity, people finding Christ, or ministry growth. But in order to achieve the good fruit, leaders must also be able to own the negative outcomes and take responsibility for bad news that comes their way. Great leaders interpret their organization’s failure to meet goals as their own problem and burden. That means they then plunge headlong into problem-solving mode, looking at anything and everything they can do that will help change and improve things. These leaders have little interest in assigning blame to others for the results. They simply don’t care about who is to blame. They are focused on the goal and the results: “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win” (I Cor. 9:24).

This doesn’t mean that leaders should take responsibility for the failures and poor choices of people in their organization. That would be enabling and rescuing, which never works. But it does mean that they are to look at their part and their contribution. For example, What did I miss when I hired that person? How could I have influenced the outcome better? What can I do to create a work system where I am more aware of problems sooner, so I can prevent failures like the one that just happened?

Some leaders make the mistake of confusing effort with results. They believe that because they are dedicated, diligent, and hard-working, they have executed their responsibilities sufficiently. Their focus is on their effort, rather than on the outcome. This isn’t leadership thinking, it’s follower thinking. Good leaders keep their eye on the bottom line—their goals and mission—not on how hard they are working. And sometimes, a leader will find that in the organization, working smarter is better than working harder.

Finally, leaders who effectively own the outcome have the capacity to be more invested in reality and truth than they are in being the good guy. That is, great leaders don’t worry about how they are perceived, as long as they are getting to the bottom of the issue. If they are wrong, they admit it, make the changes, and move on. They don’t put a spin on their actions in order to maintain a positive self image. So stop worrying about being the good guy, and care deeply about what is real and true: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts” (Ps. 139:23). Let God and good people give you feedback, wisdom, and reality about your outcomes. You will never be steered the wrong way, and you will be able to achieve the outcomes God has called you to create.

God bless you.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

(1 Cor. 9:24)

A one-week
intensive workshop for leaders
with Dr. Henry Cloud
and Dr. John Townsend

Upcoming Ultimate Leadership workshop
in San Juan Capistrano, California

September 17-22, 2006

What one leader had to say about the Ultimate Leadership workshop experience...

Thank you for a wonderful, life-changing experience. I know that thanks to the Ultimate, I’m a changed woman, much closer to God and able to love and help others much more deeply. My business has changed—I speak to my employees with compassion, and they respond much more deeply to me. My family life is more honest, and it now provides me much more strength and support. I hope everyone who is considering this special opportunity steps forward and takes action on their desire to grow. I can promise you will not leave the same person. I have been forever changed, and I hope you will be to.