1.03 Apply ethics to demonstrate trustworthiness.

Article “Leading with responsibility “ states: a. Explain benefits of taking responsibility for decisions and actions. Article “Leading with responsibility “ states: The definition of responsibility, as used in this article, rests on the assumption that individuals have the capacity to choose between alternatives. Taking responsibility means being accountable for one's choices, not depending on others to establish controls for one's behaviors. Responsibility can only reside in the individual and cannot be disclaimed or diminished through delegation or shared duties. Responsibility means not placing blame on others and proactively taking ownership to resolve problems in the interest of serving others above self.

b. Describe negative consequences of failing to accept responsibility for decisions and actions. Overly dependent on others for recognition, approval, affirmation and acceptance. Chronically hostile, angry or depressed over how unfairly you have been or are being treated. Fearful about ever taking a risk or making a decision. Overwhelmed by disabling fears. Unsuccessful at the enterprises you take on in life. Unsuccessful in personal relationships. Emotionally or physically unhealthy. Addicted to unhealthy substances, such as the abuse of alcohol, drugs, food or unhealthy behavior such as excessive gambling, shopping, sex, smoking, work, etc. Over responsible and guilt ridden in your need to rescue and enable others in your life. Unable to develop trust or to feel secure with others. Resistant to vulnerability.

c. Identify behaviors and traits needed to accept responsibility for decisions and actions. Seek out and to accept help for yourself. Be open to new ideas or concepts about life and the human condition. Refute irrational beliefs and overcome fears. Affirm yourself positively. Recognize that you are the sole determinant of the choices you make. Recognize that you choose your responses to the people, actions and events in your life. Let go of anger, fear, blame, mistrust and insecurity. Take risks and to become vulnerable to change and growth in your life. Take off the masks of behavior characteristics behind which you hide low self-esteem. Reorganize your priorities and goals. Realize that you are the party in charge of the direction your life takes.

d. Identify steps in accepting responsibility for decisions and actions. Realize that you cannot place the blame on others for the choices you make. Be fair in your dealings. Understanding that it's ok to make mistakes. No one will think less of you. On the contrary you will earn the respect of others for admitting your errors. Seek to improve your self-esteem When your self-esteem is high, your self- perception and self-worth is so peaked that there's no need to pretend to be something you're not. There's no more need to feel sorry for yourself. There are no more feelings of inferiority. Admitting your poor judgment in a situation and taking responsibility comes easily. Build your self-confidence When you are confident in your abilities, you won't become defensive when you make a mistake. Owning your contribution to a situation and taking responsibility becomes natural. Giving of yourself in service to others, teachers empathy and compassion, characteristics that helps one to overcome self-centeredness. Learn ways to let go of fear. Fear can create insecurities. Acceptance of who you are. Learn to love yourself unconditionally and accept who you are. Learn how to see things objectively without bias and prejudice. Let go of bigotry. Let go of feelings of victimization. Learn to see yourself as a victor and not a victim. Develop your spiritual life. By adding a spiritual dimension to your life, it can help to bring more self-awareness. Take your degree of success to a higher to level.

Student Activity: e. Demonstrate processes used to take responsibility for decisions and actions. Individually, students should write about someone who has not taken responsibility for her/his decisions and actions. This person might be a celebrity, a politician, a family friend, etc. Each student should explain that person’s decisions and actions and the negative consequences of failing to accept responsibility for what s/he did. Each student should also identify possible reasons for the person’s lack of responsibility, discuss steps that the person could have taken to take responsibility for his/her actions, and explain how taking responsibility for these decisions and actions could have improved the person’s situation. When finished, students should share their work with the class. Use the following sites: http://ezinearticles.com/?Taking-Responsibility-for-Your- Actions&id=842366 http://www.entrepreneur.com/tradejournals/article/135285284.html http://humanresources.about.com/od/success/qt/responsible_s5.htm http://www.livestrong.com/article/14698-accepting-personal- responsibility/ Under “What are the steps in accepting personal responsibility?” complete Step 2.