Are You The Problem?

The Power of Radical Responsibility

“How have I been complicit in helping to create the conditions I claim to dislike?”

That question, posed by Jerry Colonna in Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up, is one of the most powerful I’ve ever encountered. It forces an uncomfortable but necessary confrontation with ourselves, one that strips away blame and invites radical responsibility.

The Easy Route: Blame

When faced with frustration, whether in business, leadership, or life, it’s tempting to look outward. The market is shifting. The team isn’t executing. The competition is undercutting us. While external factors always play a role, this mindset subtly reinforces powerlessness. If the problem is out there, so is the solution - conveniently beyond our reach.

I was talking to my brother recently. He was complaining about his living situation. He doesn’t really like his roommates, and he feels like he doesn’t have any real friends in his new town. As I listened, I thought about Colonna’s question. Was his situation truly just bad luck, or had he been complicit in creating the conditions he disliked? I gently asked, "What have you done to build friendships? Have you tried to get to know your roommates better?" The conversation was a moment of realization, not just for him, but for me as well. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of assuming our circumstances are beyond our control.

The Harder (But More Rewarding) Route: Ownership

Colonna’s question reframes our perspective. Instead of asking "why is this happening to me?", it challenges us to ask "how have I contributed to this?" It’s not about self-blame. It’s about agency. Ownership over our circumstances is the first step toward changing them.

• If my team isn’t performing, have I set clear expectations? Provided the right coaching?
• If I keep hiring the wrong people, am I rushing the process? Ignoring red flags?
• If my business isn’t growing, have I truly embraced innovation or clung to what’s comfortable?

These are tough questions, but they unlock control. They give us the ability to shape a better reality rather than passively accept it.

Leadership Through Accountability

At Vac2Go, we set high standards, but we also create a culture of accountability. That starts at the top. A leader who refuses to take responsibility for their own circumstances creates a team that does the same. When a leader models ownership, admitting missteps, adapting, and growing, they set the tone for an organization that does the same.

A Challenge for You

Think of a situation in your life or work that isn’t where you want it to be. Instead of assigning blame, ask yourself Colonna’s question: How have I been complicit in helping to create the conditions I claim to dislike? And more importantly, what am I willing to do about it?

Taking responsibility is hard. But it’s also the most liberating thing you can do. It means your circumstances aren’t fixed. You have the power to change them.

What’s one area where you’ve taken radical responsibility and seen transformation? Let’s talk about it in the comments.