Which statement best represents the leadership principle 'seek responsibility and take responsibility for your actions'?

• A. Actively take on challenging assignments outside your specialty with initiative and sound judgment.
• B. Avoid high-risk tasks and stay within comfort zones.
• C. Delegate all tasks to subordinates.
• D. Wait for others to assign responsibilities.

Answer: (A)

Taking initiative and owning the outcomes is what this principle is about. Choosing to actively take on challenging assignments, even outside your usual area, shows you’re willing to push beyond comfort zones, use sound judgment, and step forward to handle what needs to be done. It demonstrates leadership by seeking responsibility and, importantly, accepting accountability for the results—positive or negative—and learning from the experience.

The other options don’t fit because they reflect avoidance or passivity: staying within a safe zone avoids responsibility; delegating everything shifts accountability away from you; waiting for someone else to assign tasks shows a lack of initiative.