SHARED RESPONSIBILITY

We each have roles to play in whatever institution we find ourselves; home, community, work, church, etc. When there is a collective vision or goal, everyone has a part to play in its actualization. It is pertinent that everyone takes responsibility and performs their duties efficiently; this way, excellent results can be achieved.

However, when parties fail to play their part, the overall progress is affected, but others could compensate for this failure. Although the efficacy may be reduced, the goal could still be achieved when we double our efforts to make up for inadequacies.

For example, the father and mother share responsibility for creating a healthy, happy family on the home front. It is expected that they are both loving, caring, loyal, honest, disciplined, etc. If the man/woman fails in any aspect, it puts a strain on the other to go the extra mile to make up for the lapses. It isn’t necessarily the most efficient way, but to keep the dream alive, one must step up for the other from time to time. When a man cannot provide for his family financially, and the woman does nothing (because it isn’t her duty), they would live in lack. But when the woman steps up to meet up for the inadequacies, they can manage the situation better.

Equally, in an office environment, all staff members are assigned responsibilities and are expected to deliver. When a staff cannot deliver, the onus falls on the supervisor to review, correct, or reassign the job to ensure the organization’s standard is met. Sometimes, department members need to help one another with their tasks not to fail to meet their deadlines or quota.

In governance, both leaders and citizens have shared responsibilities in nation-building. If the citizens fail to do their part, the government would have to put extra measures to compel people to perform their civic duties or punish defaulters to deter others. In the same vein, citizens are to hold leaders accountable and actively participate in governance. Voting out non-performing leaders, being critical in selecting leaders, campaign, and advocating for change as and when necessary.

In these instances, we see that one party checkmates the other to ensure that the goal is achieved. Therefore, whatever setting we find ourselves in, we should keep in mind that making the dream come alive is a collective effort. When others default, it shouldn’t discourage you from doing your part. It should instead propel you to do more.

Love is all I have,
Atinuke Odjenima
Transformational Growth Catalyst