The buck stops here.

Yes, with me.

I'm young enough not to have lived during the Harry Truman years of presidency but I do know that was a famous sign that sat on his desk.

I've thought about that short, decisive statement so many times through the years....

....Usually when I'm pointing fingers at others mistakes.

Now, that's a truth life lesson, isn't it?

To take full responsibility for all things in my life. My thoughts. My actions. My results. My health. My relationships. My bank account.

Yes, I said it....full responsibility.

Certainly most of my life I blamed others for any limitations, inadequacies, struggles, problems...it really didn't matter, I was passing the buck.

Isn't that funny? Passing the buck means to pass on responsibility to someone else so that you are not accountable.

The buck stops here means the responsibility goes no further than me. No one else, I'll accept it. Sometimes it is blame, or even kudos but it is a great thing knowing that I am willing to accept the responsibility. Right or wrong, I am the one taking ownership of the decision.

This is leadership. That's what leadership is all about. Others want to work with leaders that exhibit this characteristic. A great leader accepts the blame and is big enough to recognize key teammates when a win takes place. When you have a group of people that are all accepting ownership of their decisions, it makes for a wonderful experience!

Characteristics Of The Buck Stops Here

Guts. It takes guts to be the person that is the decision maker. There will always be people question the decision maker, being critical, yet not stepping into that role themselves.

Is A Mighty Oak. A leader does not sway like a willow tree one way to the next with conversation from others. A leader is a mighty oak and makes decision quickly and changes his/her mind slowly.

Lives in Solutions. A leader is always looking for solutions, not focusing all the attention on the problems.

Knows Where They Are Going. A leader knows exactly what they want, where they are going and can see what they are creating. A leader knows one thing....his/her destination!

Not Fearful. Does not focus on fear. Knows that fear really is f.e.a.r. or false evidence appearing real. It is an illusion. Always looking for light, not the darkness.

Thinks With Their Head, Follows Their Heart. Yes, it is good to know the bottom line. But I will always chose my heart's passion over what my head tells me to do.

The buck stops here is a way of life! Once you take full responsibility then your life enfolds in a beautiful way. Be bold and take ownership of your life! When you do, you will create your own reality!

To your greatness,

Tammi Putnam