TFT

Okay, so I'm going to jump on Nicole's bandwagon here and participate in a "Thoughts for Thursday" post.  My topic:  Accountability!

Ok, so we live in a day and age where nobody seems to want to be accountable, for anything!  We are always hearing "it's not my fault", or some excuse as to why something did or didn't happen.  Whatever happened to owning up to your mistakes, or faults, and perhaps fixing them?  I have a lot more respect for someone who admits they did wrong, takes the appropriate steps to fix it and in the end, learns from the experience. 

So, what brings this on you ask?  Well, about a year ago, we had a plumbing leak in our laundry room, which damaged the basement ceiling.  At the time, our home was still under warranty, so naturally the builder was accountable for the repairs and the damage.  Great, they fixed it, no question asked.  Well, a year later, same thing happens, same place, same exact problem.  Guess what?  We are out of our warranty!  Despite the fact that THEIR plumber did a shotty job with the fix, they simply state, and I quote, "I'm sorry Ma'am, but you are out of warranty and we are not responsible for the repair." 

Really?  You are trying to tell me that something that was defective since it was installed in the NEW home, and that continues to be defective, is not the BUILDER'S responsibility?  AND, that the crack in our ceiling in the basement is also not their responsibility?  Really?  Seriously?

Ok, so I have a hard time with someone A.) not guaranteeing their work and B.) not taking the appropriate steps to secure their reputation as a business owner.  So here we are, stuck with a leak that we must pay some plumber $100/hr, plus parts, to fix.  We also are in need of someone to repair the crack in the ceiling, all for something we never had control over. 

This isn't just exclusive to us, and our home.  This happens everywhere.  In the workplace, at the grocery store, at the mechanic, etc.  Why have we gotten so far away from ACCOUNTABILITY?  Whatever happened to learning from our mistakes?  You better believe that everyone is willing to admit it when they are right and had a success, but when it comes to failure, it is an embarrassment and we all pretend it didn't happen?  Failure is a natural part of life.  Anyone who claims they have only seen success is a complete liar. 

I make mistakes quite a bit.  I'm fine with that.  Do I necessarily want to admit them all the time?  HECK NO!  But, I move on and hope that I don't do it again.  And yes, when there is money involved, like it is here, then it's a lot harder to get someone to be accountable.  However, all I want is someone to guarantee the job they do.  If they don't plan to do it right, then they better be prepared to fix it.  Enough said!

Comments

[Nic]

As a business owner, I really try hard to stay accountable to my mistakes. And I've had plenty of them. For the most part I just try to keep the motto "The customer is right" and do whatever it takes to please them while trying to stay in line with my business' policies.

It is so irritating when people don't stand behind their work. A few years ago we had one of Ryan's friends from high school put a roof on our house. His "friend" had just started a business with someone and he came out, gave us a quote (in writing) and when he got into the job he realized he was in for more than he had thought. Well, basically, he wasn't experienced in the type of job our house ended up being so he had to call in another roofer to help. He ate the cost and said he was barely making money on our job. However, my husband was out there every day after work working right along side them. And, in the end, they never fully finished our roof. Ryan had to finish it. It was so irritating.

[jenny]

i just think back to how much things have changed over the years. 'back in the day' people were up front, honest, and would fix their mistakes, no questions asked. these days, everyone wants to argue, nobody wants to admit to any wrong doing, and we just can't level with each other. this is frustrating and i see it in the workplace a lot! if i were in your position i would be fit to be tied! ergh!

[Mary]

I can imagine how annoyed you must be. People don't want to be responsible for anything any more.
Ditto to Kim. No one is perfect, but it's how you handle it when you screw up.

[Kristi Sauer]

I hear ya, but at schools these days all we here about is accountability. Students, teachers, schools, and districts are very much accountable these days for achievement and how students do. Thanks to NCLB.
I do agree that more people need to be accountable, especially businesses. That is ridiculous!

[Kim]

Oh I hear ya! I HATE that. It's one thing I'm a sticker on too. Yesterday at the grocery store, I was paying and Morgan pushed past a lady. I had to stop paying and took him back to say "excuse me". I believe everyone, me included, should be accountable - no one is perfect, but it's how you handle it when you screw up!