We need to take ownership of our decisions regardless of the positive or negative outcomes. This is called accountability, and at the end of the day we are responsible to our families.
As men, as dads, we need to own our decisions and the directions we choose to go. Picture being on a road trip with your co-pilot in the passenger seat. As you get further down the road, the GPS shows you a wreck along your route. You’re coming upon it quickly. You may ask your co-pilot if they believe you should take the alternate route the GPS suggests or stick with the main route, believing the congestion will clear up soon. It’s an immediate question requiring an immediate answer.
With the pressure of the question, your co-pilot may have a few different reactions.
1. “Does he expect me to make the decision for him? I don’t want that responsibility. What if I make the wrong choice.” So he says nothing.
2. “I have not been paying attention! I can’t make that decision!” So he pleads the fifth.
3. “I think you should stay/take the exit.” The co-pilot has been paying attention and has an educated opinion.
This situation could lead to nothing; your decision worked out and you never thought of the conversation again. However, if you followed the suggestion of your co-pilot and got negative results, then it’s likely you will never forget this decision.
The point of this exercise is ownership. Ultimately, as dads, we need to take ownership of our decisions regardless of the positive or negative outcomes. This is called accountability, and at the end of the day we are responsible to our families.
