When the Common Denominator is You
I’ve been working with several clients recently who are struggling to move their businesses forward. They have long lists of reasons for their lack of progress—prior employees who didn’t deliver, service providers who fell short, vendors who missed deadlines.
But when the same issues keep happening, despite changing teams, providers, and resources, there’s usually one thing that hasn’t changed: the person leading the business.
It’s not an easy conversation, but it’s a necessary one. Here’s the reality: if you’re constantly shifting blame to external factors, you’re missing the one thing you have complete control over—your leadership and management style.
Why Leaders Get Stuck in the Blame Cycle
Blaming others is often a defense mechanism. When things go wrong, it’s easier to point to external problems than to look inward. But the cost of this mindset is high. Blame leads to:
• Stagnation: No meaningful changes get made.
• Team Turnover: Good people leave when they feel undervalued or scapegoated.
• Missed Opportunities: You can’t fix what you won’t take responsibility for.
Breaking the Cycle: Focus on Accountability
True leadership requires the courage to say, “What could I have done differently?” It’s about owning the role you’ve played in the outcomes your business has experienced and taking proactive steps to correct course.
Here’s how to start:
✔️ Identify Patterns: If the same issues keep recurring, dig deeper. What role have your decisions played in those outcomes?
✔️ Reevaluate Management Practices: Are your processes setting your team up for success or creating roadblocks?
✔️ Accept Responsibility: This isn’t about taking the blame—it’s about taking control.
✔️ Lead with Solutions: Focus on fixing problems, not assigning fault.
The Common Denominator Can Be a Strength
If you’re the common denominator, that means you also have the power to make the changes your business needs. Leadership is about adaptation and growth. By acknowledging your role, you open the door to improvement.
I’ve seen business owners transform stagnant companies simply by shifting their mindset from blame to accountability. They’ve taken control of the narrative, redefined their leadership style, and built teams that thrive under clear, decisive direction.
Ask yourself: Are you willing to stop pointing fingers and start making the changes that matter?
Visit ryangartrell.com if you’re ready to take control of your business and work with a partner who will help you focus on solutions, not excuses.
Leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Own it, fix it, and grow.
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