By Marjorie Brody, MA, CSP, CMC

Imagine what the world would be like if there was no blaming, no excuses, and everyone took 100% responsibility for their actions?

When we say 100% responsibility, we mean that each of us needs to accept total accountability—not just a part of it—for all commitments, relationships and actions.

If you are running late for work and someone in front of you is driving too slowly, don't blame this person for your tardiness. Take 100% responsibility to ensure that you don't oversleep or cut it so close that someone driving cautiously will make you late.

If you are asked to work on a team project and one of the members doesn't contribute on time, don't sit back and place blame. Take 100% responsibility to complete the task with or without the difficult teammate. Do what it takes to get the job done. You can assertively and helpfully confront the non-contributor. If that fails, work with the remaining team members to pick up the slack, finish the project and then address the issue with appropriate management.

People who take 100% responsibility for their assignments and behavior spend time exploring options and opportunities, and are seen as more accomplished and trustworthy. The respect you will earn from others, plus the strength you will feel in controlling your own destiny, should more than make up for the extra effort, patience and diligence that 100% responsibility requires.

It's Not Always About What You Get

"Not thee who has much is rich, but thee who gives much."—Eric Frohm

Giving to charities is a great way to help others. Even though you might not be making a lot of money early on in your career, it is good to get in the habit of sharing your wealth. Many companies sponsor fund-raising efforts (walks/runs for AIDS or breast cancer research) or charitable organizations like the United Way or Red Cross. Donating money to charity is a good way for you to get company recognition and help those in need.

Of course, giving money is just one way to be charitable. How about donating your time by volunteering for good causes? Many companies encourage employees to get involved with local schools or activities like Big Brothers Big Sisters of America or comparable organizations.

You can also put your athletic talents and experience to good use by organizing and participating in walks or runs for diabetes, breast cancer awareness and other important causes.

Being altruistic has lots of benefits. It puts you in the company of others who believe in the same causes that you do, which is helpful for mentoring and improving your social life. It also can build your sense of community and keep you grounded in some of the more important life lessons that can otherwise slip by. Finally, it can give you a sense of purpose and expand your skills and knowledge beyond the walls of your work environment.

Challenge yourself to commit to at least one major cause (beyond your bank account or rising career), and make it a priority for your time, creativity and discretionary income.

It's Nice to Be Important, But It's More Important to Be Nice

"During my second month of nursing school, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions, until I read the last one: 'What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?' I thought surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50s, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade. 'Absolutely,' said the professor. 'In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say hello.' I've never forgotten that lesson. I've also never forgotten her name was Dorothy."—A story told to us that we've never forgotten.

There's an old cliché that is as true today as it was 100 years ago: "Be nice to the people you meet on the way up, because you may meet them on the way back down."

It's easy when you start working to want to please your manager or impress higher-ups in your company. This isn't a bad idea, if you are impressing others by doing your job, being pleasant, contributing to the bottom line and networking within the organization. It is a bad idea if you are doing it at the expense of others. You know what we mean—"sucking up" to more prominent individuals, but ignoring people you don't think will benefit you.

The magazine tycoon Malcolm Forbes once said there are no unimportant people. He respected the value and contributions of each individual within the organization.

Be interested in others. It's amazing how much you can learn and how you can make others feel important when you show an interest in them. Ask questions that evoke conversation, open-ended questions like, "How was your commute this morning?" If you know that the person has a child who plays soccer, inquire about the game. If someone has an ill parent, show concern. Take time to get to know people beyond what they do at work.

We all know the golden rule, "Do unto others …" Therefore, if there is something you can do to help a colleague, do it. This doesn't mean you need to actually do his or her work, nor does it mean that you should be taken advantage of, but occasionally it is nice to use your spare time or talents to make life a bit easier for someone else. This fosters a team atmosphere among co-workers. It only takes one person to model these behaviors. It feels good to help others and chances are it will be contagious!