Why won’t employees take responsibility for their actions is a question that many employers ask themselves. When you want someone to take responsibility you need to tell them, make sure that the conditions are right and monitor their outputs.
It’s not always obvious that people are avoiding their responsibilities. Some key signs to look out for are:
- Lacking interest. In their work, often missing deadlines.
- Blaming others for their mistakes and failures.
- Making excuses regularly – they may often say “It’s not my fault,” or, “That’s unfair.”
- Regularly complaining about unfair treatment by team leaders and team members – and engaging in self-pity.
- Avoiding challenging tasks and projects, as well as shying away from taking risks.
- Avoiding using their initiative and relying on others for work.
- Lacking trust in team members and leaders.
What can you do to change the situation?
Take action, but first, consult with someone who has expertise in managing challenging behavior in the workplace to avoid common pitfalls.
Employees still not taking responsibility?
Occasionally, despite all efforts employees still won’t take responsibility because they’re just not interested in the work.
Perhaps you’re dealing with a square peg in a round hole situation? Are you micromanaging your team? Is there an individual prone to self-serving bias? Psychologists use this term to describe individuals who claim credit when things go well, yet blame others when things go awry. While blaming circumstances is one matter, pointing fingers at people, particularly colleagues, is quite another.
Blaming others is easy, it means we don’t have to take responsibility for what happens and the work that getting things right involves. More deep seated issues can mean that blaming others means that the employee doesn’t make themselves vulnerable. Because the employee doesn’t have to accept there was a situation where they acted in a way that they weren’t proud of means that they retain control, they can re-write history and the future.
Metis HR is here to assist. Getting the right advice is essential. Act now. We can provide you with the support and guidance you need to regain control.
Call Paul on 01706 565 332 or email info@metishr.co.uk and book your free consultation.
