Be Accountable

Sometimes we make mistakes. Sometimes we get caught. When we do get caught, it can be difficult to confirm that we did anything wrong. We fear the consequences of admitting guilt. Yet it’s through taking responsibility – owning up - for our actions and behaviors that we show fellow humans that we are accountable for our behavior. It’s how we build respect and that leads to trust.

Maybe that’s why it’s a challenge for us to trust politicians. It’s considered savvy in political circles to blame someone else, the other party or another department whenever the opportunity arises. Taking such action may move their agenda along, sometimes by deflecting the public’s attention away from a particular situation, especially if it’s a mucky, murky, mired messy situation. Only someone with something to hide does this and it’s tough to respect someone who does not accept the consequences of their actions.

The message these politicians and their handlers think they are sending is that someone else is responsible for the inaction or the situation. The message that their constituents are receiving is that the individual they elected to represent them is not taking responsibility for their decisions, actions or deeds. They are not being accountable. And accountability does matter.