On a team? Own Your Own Sh*t. Some long time Friends of Dave may recall the intro from a few years ago where I mentioned that we drafted and implemented a formal set of values for our family. Each member of the family had the opportunity to provide input into what the values would be and ultimately signed off on them.Looking back, I can say that it had a transformative effect on how we operate and interact as a family on a daily basis. While things are not always perfect, overall it has contributed to a more harmonious atmosphere in the house between parents and kids alike. One of the key values we implemented involved being accountable for your own actions. The value is meant to remind each person in the family that everyone has feelings, emotions, responsibilities and obligations, baggage and things that are on their mind. While the family will be supportive of you as you work through these things, you ultimately own them and the effect they have on you. As our kids have gotten older, it has evolved into this crude, succinct mantra:Own your own sh*t.Got a term paper that is stressing you out? Own your own sh*t.Got a new job that is requiring more of your time and focus because you want to do well? Own your own ****.Have to do chores to do but you also have to study for a test? Own your own s##t.Don't like what was made for dinner? Own your own sh*t.Need to renew your driver's license and there are a bunch steps you need to follow on a website? Own your own sh%t.Still angry at another family member over something that happened a few days ago? Own your own $hit.Want to lose weight? Own your own ****.The spirit behind this mantra isn't that you don't deserve empathy or accommodation from the other family members. It's that it is your issue and you need to deal with it without making it a problem for everyone else.This doesn't just happen with families -- it happens at work, on teams or really within any organization as well.Worried that you might miss your sales quota this month? Own your own s&&t.Unhappy with how much you are getting paid? Own your own sh*t.Got a promotion and the increased workload is overwhelming you? Own your own sh#t.Your boss isn't giving you enough guidance or attention? Own your own s**t.Frustrated that the team is not hitting expectations? Own your own ****.Too often when these things are affecting how we feel, we allow them impact those around us. We may blame others and point fingers for making us feel this way instead of being introspective about our role in these issues. We may even expect others to help take on the burden of resolving the issues because they seem too hard or involved to deal with ourselves. If you see someone on the team acting this way or you find yourself falling into a trap where you are spinning your wheels, there really is only one thing to say:Own your own sh*t.Be accountable for your role in whatever it is that is causing the distraction or problem, stop the anxious hand wringing or looking for someone else to resolve the issue for you and create a plan to do something about it. It is that simple.Switching gears, I am considering making some changes on the curated article front -- I may reduce the number in upcoming issues. This week, you will see I did this in the work related link section. If you have any opinions on the quantity or quality of the articles being shared, drop me a line.March Madness is upon us -- wishing you the best of luck with your brackets. Enjoy!XOXODave