Where Does the Buck Stop For You?
Another short thought for a summer pre-weekend read…
A simple and very to the point quote has become a uniquely American idiom…and, to my way of thinking, has been used consistently in the wrong context.
“The Buck Stops Here.” —Sign on the desk of late U.S. President Harry Truman.
Over the years, the slogan has come to be used by senior management worldwide to define their authority…as in I make the final decision.?
However, it seems that the slogan Truman made famous is an evolution of a phrase that originated back in the mid-1800s, in the U.S., when poker players used a marker or counter…sometimes a knife with a buckhorn handle… to indicate whose turn it was to deal…thus? "pass the buck" was born. If you abdicated your turn to deal, it meant giving up accountability and passing it along to others.
So, I repeat the infamous words on Truman’s desk:
“The Buck Stops Here.”
Truman's sign was made in the Federal Reformatory at El Reno, Oklahoma. It was mailed to him on October 2, 1945, and became closely aligned with him and how he ran his administration—in the most positive ways.
My existential problem with the Truman model is that it encourages passing the buck. Its origin meaning…as "Hey, it's not my deal (job)"…or "Don't hold me accountable." Why? Because the "buck" doesn't stop here with me; it keeps going up the line.
?NO!!!??
Let the buck stop with you—no matter where you sit in an organization, family, or personal relationship. It doesn't mean you take accountability for starting a nuclear war…but it does mean that you take accountability for what is in your purview…no matter how small or big it might be or its consequences.
One final admonition: Team playing is still critical, and it may be one of the most important components of taking accountability.?
So, do pass the ball…just don't pass the buck.
What’s your view?
Marketing Consultant / Pickleball & Tennis coach.
6 个月Slogan for the current century: Pocketing the buck, passing the baton or ball. ??
4x Founder | Generalist | Goal - Inspire 1M everyday people to start their biz | Always building… having the most fun.
6 个月Love this analogy... passing the ball is about teamwork and moving towards a common goal, while passing the buck is like trying to avoid the tough stuff and leaving others to deal with it.
Owner, Altima Millwork, Altima Homes and Altima Kitchens And Closets | Transforming Spaces with Precision and Style | Elevating experiences with Commercial Millwork
6 个月What a powerful question David ! Passing the ball is all about teamwork and shared responsibility, while passing the buck is avoiding accountability. True leaders know the value of collaboration and stepping up when it counts. Thanks for the reminder to always choose the right path.
Senior VP @ Chairman's Office ABG | P&L & Consulting Adept | Passionate about Consumer Businesses, Retail & Startups
6 个月Thought provoking take David Sable, The real essence of ‘The Buck Stops Here’ is about personal accountability, not just claiming authority It’s crucial to hold ourselves accountable in all aspects
Retired
6 个月If you want something that bad, work for it /my father’s advice