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The oz principle full#
Owning the problem does not mean we take full responsibility for the problem, rather we own our own contribution to the problem because that is where change will occur. I share that analogy frequently in my own coaching. I had a friend who often used the analogy that “if the furniture is not in your house, you cannot move it”. In this step, we recognize that we may have fallen below the line in one of the five areas and also acknowledge the consequences of leaving the issue unresolved. The first step is to see it-the whole picture-and your connection to the issue. In moving above the line, we take accountability for ourselves and our actions. Advice from Connors and Hickman is to realize that we can sometimes fall below the line, however we are most successful when we move above the line as quickly as possible. When communication is strong and team members are clear about expectations, successes are celebrated and failures are integrated into learnings. One of the worst behaviors in a team is the aspect of blaming. About a year ago, I was working with a team in which one of the members remarked “I am not going to do anything until the vision and strategy is laid out for me.” Luckily this team member had a great coach who could help him evaluate the consequences of the choice he was making. All of these behaviors can impact a team and are self-evident so I will not explain each one separately rather commenting on two I have observed with a team I was working with recently.
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In addressing accountability, the book explores below the line behaviors that include wait and see confusion-tell me what to do it’s not my job ignore/deny and finger pointing/covering your tail. “The story recounts a journey toward awareness and from the beginning of their journey, the story’s main characters gradually learn that they possess the power within themselves to get the results they want…The journey empowers them…a journey from ignorance to knowledge, from fear to courage, from paralysis to powerfulness, from victimization to accountability…Don’t get stuck on the yellow brick road don’t blame others for your circumstances don’t wait for wizards to wave their magic wands.” To start this review, instead of paraphrasing, I am taking a direct quote from the book which summarizes the authors proposition for the book.