“If everyone is responsible, then no one is responsible.” – Anonymous (or your workplace trash can)
Happy Friday, Brew Nation!
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This week, I saw something at a client site that stuck with me. What is it? A “trash can”, overflowing at the start of the day. Not the end of the day… the start. I asked, “Who’s responsible for emptying it?” The answer? “Everyone is.” And before I could say another word, the operator said it for me: “If everyone is responsible, then no one is.”
This idea isn’t just for the workplace. Think about your home—who takes out the trash? Does it load the dishwasher? When something is everyone’s job, it’s easy to become no one’s job.
Any time you hear someone say ‘everyone is responsible,’ your ears should perk up. It’s a leadership red flag. It’s time to ask: “How can I take responsibility for this?”
The struggle to take ownership often comes down to another ‘ability’ word: **ACCOUNTABILITY**. We think someone else will handle it. We say things like ‘It’s not fair,’ or ‘I did it yesterday.’ But if you want a culture of responsibility, it starts with **YOU.**
Great leaders don’t say, ‘That’s not my job.’ Instead, they ask, ‘What can I do to serve?‘ That’s what servant leadership looks like. It’s what Jesus modeled when He washed the disciples’ feet—a task considered the lowest of the low. As Matthew 20:28 reminds us:
“Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…”
So, how do we move from ambiguity to action? Start with specificity:
- ‘Some’ is not a number……
- ‘Soon’ is not a time……..
- ‘Someone’ isn’t a name.
Use the phrase: “Who by when?”
Assign responsibility. Set timelines. Create clarity. Then go one step further—serve even when it’s not assigned to you. Change your mindset to that of a servant. Challenge yourself to do something for someone else every day. And recognize those who do the same.
Being effective as a leader means taking ownership, even when it’s not your job. That’s why I challenge leaders to eliminate the phrase “everyone is responsible” from their culture. When everyone owns it, no one does. Great teams thrive on clarity, not ambiguity. That’s why I teach leaders to ask the simple but powerful question: “Who by when?” Assign responsibility. Set timelines. Lead by example. And most of all, choose to serve—even when it’s not your job.
Want to create a culture of ownership on your team? Email me at coachjohngallagher@gmail.com with the word ‘OWNERSHIP’ in the subject line, and I’ll send you my Who-By-When clarity checklist and a bonus guide to practicing everyday servant leadership. \
- Quote of the Week
“If everyone is responsible, then no one is.” – A truth worth repeating
What You Need to Do
Call to Action: Step In, Don’t Step Over. This week, when you see something that ‘everyone’ is supposed to handle, ask yourself: What’s one way I can take responsibility instead of passing it off?
Then do it. And if you see someone else doing the same? Call it out. Encourage it. Culture shifts when leaders serve first.
It’s an honor to be your trusted “Friday Coffee Guy.” Each week, I’m excited to provide another round of curated content that I’ve been reading, listening to, watching, or thinking over. The purpose of the Champions Brew is to inspire, equip, and encourage you to become the uncommon leader you were designed to be.
If you enjoyed this edition of Champions Brew, I’d love it if you shared it with someone in your circle who might benefit from it too. And ask them to subscribe! Let’s grow Brew Nation together!
Until next time — Step Up, Serve Well, and Grow On, Champions! 💪
P.S. Are you a podcast fan? The Uncommon Leader Podcast is for you. Interested in being a guest and sharing your story? Email me at coachjohngallagher@gmail.com and let’s chat!
