Arab Proverb – Accountability

Othman Alkhader, one of our network members from Kuwait, shared this proverb with me (because I was speaking in the Gulf I wanted some!):

At first I thought it was kind of “non EQ” self-destructive — but discussing w Billy & Hamidah (2 other network members) late night in Malaysia, maybe it’s really a pillar of emotional intelligence:  If you are emotionally smart, you take your full share of responsibility (but no more).  That’s part of the competencies we call “Exercise Optimism” and “Engage Intrinsic Motivation” – it means taking ownership, not just of what’s easy, but of the whole enchilada (to mix cultures)…

How amazing would that be to work for leaders, and live with people, who took the full measure of responsibility for their choices?

What do you think – and feel – about the proverb?

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