Every once in a while some action or message brings back memories of the multiple life lessons delivered to me by my Dad.  And mostly they were provided not by words…but by assignments.  Assignments like:

• Treating livestock the way I would want to be treated.
• Maintaining farm implements so they would last forever.
• Repurposing tools that have passed their original use.
• Put equipment “to bed” for the winter so they were ready to go when we “woke them up” in the spring.
• Oh yeah one more… to always shake someones hand like you mean it!

The size and purpose of the assignments changed with time… but the Responsibility “Roots” that were planted with me never changed.

I believe for the sake of quality personal and professional growth it is valuable to consider the source of your Responsibility “Roots”.  When and where did the initial Roots get planted in you?  Who was most responsible…what were they and how did you deal with them?  These are all serious questions that can assist in growing and nurturing the Responsibility “Roots” that are part of your everyday life and world of work.

If you have a solid foundation and longer-term network of Responsibility “Roots” the more prepared you are when new/different responsibilities come your way.  Think about it??  Do you have a habit of avoiding taking on new responsibilities and dread the thought of unique challenges?  Or do you have a “Bring It On!” attitude that welcomes new challenges and views them as continuous learning opportunities!?

I know I was fortunate to have (and still have) great people involved in planting and expanding my Responsibility “Roots”.  I believe it is helpful to periodically step back and review your entire history of Responsibility “Roots” development.  As you do you will identify the best…ones that were not so helpful…and then better map your example-setting future.  It is a very good history lesson.