Here’s a riddle for you …
What’s easy to give to others, but often hard to take yourself?
However, it’s light if held on to and shared.
Answer: Responsibility.
Giving responsibility away is done at the drop of a hat. “Don’t look at me, I didn’t do it.” Or “That’s for the Council/government/someone else to deal with, nothing to do with me.” Passing the buck, washing one’s hands of an issue, whatever you want to call it – it’s often done automatically and without thinking about it.
Then there’s taking responsibility. It’s not easy to step up and say, “Yes, I did that, it’s my fault, let me fix it.” Or “I will be responsible for that.” It’s putting your name and reputation on the line, even if it is something that is unrelated to you personally. Yet this can be hard to carry if everything falls on one set of shoulders.
But if responsibility is shared among a group of individuals, if everyone steps forward and says, “Let me help with that!” – then responsibility can be as light as a feather.
There are so many things in life where the first option is acted upon, almost as a reflex. The second can lead to resentment. Yet the third can see so much accomplished if everyone works together. I know which one I prefer!