Michael Phelps: What happened to Personal Responsibility, Accountability vs. Stupid Choices?

Marsha Petrie Sue

February 02, 2009

The question is this – at what age should a person be responsible for the consequences of their choices and actions? I believe the answer is early teens. Have you even done something really stupid. Boy I have! But think about how training on personal responsibility relates to children's development, grades, promiscuity, friend they chose, movies they see, games they play, etc.

In a statement released to The Associated Press, the swimmer, Michael Phelps, who won a record eight gold medals at the Beijing Games validated the authenticity of the exclusive picture published Sunday by the tabloid News of the World.

Phelps said: "I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment. I'm 23 years old and despite the successes I've had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner people have come to expect from me. For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again."

How sad that this young man, at 23, has jeopardized everything he has worked so hard to receive. The millions of dollars in endorsements, and the global role model position he assumed in Beijing. Stupid? I think so. Youthful? Perhaps.

This is an excellent lesson to understand that your actions become your outcomes – either positive or negative. You chose and no one else does. It is all about personal responsibility, self-awareness and internal communication. The focus must be on not becoming a spoiled brat, have an entitlement attitude or arrogant.

Lesson: If you have a job, or are looking for one, don´t do stupid stuff.

In the current research I am conducting, leaders told me what is important when hiring and promoting people.

Stupid:

Negative comments

Arrogance and self absorbed

Withdrawn and don´t participate

Lack of tact

Unprofessional appearance

Lack of Experience

Poor Skill Set

Entitlement

Unprepared and don´t research

Not Stupid:

Personal Responsibility

Enthusiastic

Initiative

Experience

Professional dress

Engaging

Maturity

Articulate

Confident

So what do you think? At what age should a person be responsible for the consequences of their choices? What are the lessons you´ve learned that help you keep your position stable?

Marsha Petrie Sue, MBA, CSP

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