Why is it everyone, and I do mean everyone, always seeks to place blame?! It’s her fault, or his, or theirs, and even inanimate things don’t escape – didn’t have enough time, money, people, etc. Whenever there is the possibility of negative consequences, immediately most people starting looking for someone/something to indicate as the reason for the poor results. And analyzing the situation always comes late to the party… after the attempt to cast blame.
I believe that one of the important aspects is to realize and understand is that sometimes things happen that cause poor results but no one is the focal point of fault, it’s merely the result of a variety of reasons. And yes, sometimes there are people and/or things that are the reason for the problem(s). However, without a reasoned review of why and where things ‘went wrong’, it really is impossible to understand what and why whatever happened.
Pointing the finger of ‘blame’ rarely accomplishes anything unless the goal is to embarrass a co-worker… it rarely totally deflects attention from one’s own contributions. Besides, if you are at fault then admit it, see how you can learn from it, and move on. If it’s another’s fault then helping them to see the error in order to move on is the only appropriate behavior, otherwise they will become defensive. The only effect use of ‘blame’ is to be able to develop strategies to ward against it. We should all be seeking to analyze and develop options.
Blame can be a tool or it can devolve into time wasting time behaviors. Obviously, if the ineffective behavior is repetitive or the individual is unwilling to admit error then the options to resolve the personnel component are few. But these are also ‘teachable moments’ – dependent upon the environmental milieu you live or work in. And if you are blaming yourself… what else are you doing? Are you also moving forward and learning from it?
… but what do you believe?
