The Riddle

 

Some people want to share it, but often not enough people own it

 

Some people give it away any chance they get it

 

Some people take too much of it for themselves

 

Some people just avoid it and look the other way

 

Some people accept what’s theirs and leave the rest…

What is it?

Did you guess correctly?

If so you figured out that the answer is:

Responsibility

Breaking it Down:

Responsibility: n.: the state or fact of being accountable or to blame for

Some people want to share it, but not enough people own it

 

When is it good to share responsibility?

 

When is it not appropriate to share responsibility? (For example, roping in others who may be innocent just to make oneself look less guilty when something goes wrong)

 

What does “owning” responsibility mean?

 

Make personal application: What are some responsibilities you “own” (yours and yours alone)?

 

 

Some people give it away any chance they get it

 

What do you think is meant by the idea of “giving away” responsibility?

 

Has anyone ever done that to you?

 

Get honest – How have you done that to others?

 

What prevents you now from giving away responsibility that you own?

 

 

Some people take too much for themselves

 

Do you ever do this? (If yes, how?)

 

What often happens when you take on too much responsibility for too long?

 

Apply: What skills are needed to prevent this from happening? (For example, be assertive, say “no”)

 

Some people just avoid it and look the other way

 

Get honest: Everyone has done this at one time or another in their life, what about you?

 

What kind of lifestyle or attitude could trigger someone to be the type of person avoids responsibility?

 

Apply: How can you avoid living that kind of life or taking on this kind of attitude?

 

 

Some people accept what’s theirs and leave the rest…

 

What are some positive things that you accept responsibility for today?

 

What is your plan to take care of these responsibilities?

 

What are you letting go of? (Negative things, perhaps from your past, that you no longer hold on to responsibility for?)

Additional Optional Pandemic Questions for Discussion:

How has the pandemic changed or impacted your responsibilities and your ability to care for them?

How have you been able to adapt to the new pandemic environment when caring for your responsibilities?

 

Responsibility is a key element of individual progress.

There can be no lasting, positive personal change without responsibility.

For more activities like this, visit www.takingtheescalator.com 

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