On Taking Responsibility

There is a familiar anecdote often told at public-speaking events.

A teacher asks little Johnny why he has not handed in his homework assignment. He replies, “But, ma’am, I did do it. When I finished, I put it on the table. When I looked again, the dog had eaten it!”

It does not matter whether someone is little Johnny’s age or a middle-aged adult with children of their own. I believe it is human nature to avoid taking responsibility for our actions when we fear being punished.

For little Johnny, that punishment might involve a meeting between his parents and teacher. For an adult who has made a poor decision that caused someone else financial harm, the consequences could be far more serious. Taking responsibility might mean admitting fault, facing legal action or providing financial restitution.

The circumstances may be different, but the underlying fear remains the same.

The Fear Behind the Excuse

When you learn about copywriting, you are taught that effective writing appeals to people’s fundamental emotions and motivations. Fear is one of the strongest.

Some products and services are marketed by showing people how they can reduce a particular risk. The message might suggest that taking action will help them avoid legal consequences, financial penalties or unnecessary expenses.

In other words, the copy does not merely sell a product. It sells a sense of security.

Another model I frequently draw on in my copywriting is Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Psychologist Abraham Maslow proposed that human needs can be understood as a hierarchy, beginning with physiological and safety needs before progressing to belonging, esteem and self-actualisation.

This helps us understand why people sometimes try so hard to avoid responsibility. Admitting a mistake can feel as though it threatens several needs at once. It may affect their financial security, reputation, relationships and sense of self-worth.

Environmental campaigns provide a useful example of how messaging can appeal to these fundamental needs. The Net Zero Carbon Emissions movement has gained widespread attention partly because climate change is presented not only as an environmental concern, but as a threat to people’s health, safety, food supply and future security.

The message reaches people because the consequences feel personal.

Responsibility Requires Courage

Fear may explain why we avoid responsibility, but it does not excuse the harm caused by our decisions.

Taking responsibility means acknowledging what happened, apologising where necessary and doing what we can to correct the situation. It may carry uncomfortable consequences, but avoiding accountability often causes even greater damage. It weakens trust, prolongs conflict and prevents us from learning from our mistakes.

Little Johnny may temporarily escape punishment by blaming the dog. Adults, however, cannot build trustworthy relationships or credible businesses by doing the same.

The question is not whether we will make mistakes. We will. The real question is what we choose to do after making them.

If your organisation needs clear, thoughtful writing that communicates difficult messages with honesty and care, explore my writing and editing services at www.liamarus.com/services.