Over 50 years ago a terrible crime happened in broad daylight with many witnesses, and NO ONE did anything to help. A young lady lost her life that day, and our Nation was horrified that we did nothing to stop it!
Our leaders called the best minds in the world together to tell us how and why something like this could happen.
The end result of that study was the term Diffusion of Responsibility. This is a social phenomenon that affects us all and one you will have to Fight against.
Have you seen videos from a cell phone of a purse snatcher or someone being assaulted and no one comes to their aid even though there are people present? This is Diffusion of Responsibility.
What they found out in this study was people who witness these types of events or even small everyday things that happen will justify their not being involved with these types of excuses:
It’s not my Responsibility.
Someone in authority like a policeman will take care of this.
It’s not my business or problem.
I don’t get paid to do that.
I don’t have the ability or know how.
These are just a few of the rationalizations we tell ourselves to absolve ourselves of any responsibility.
This happens every day of our lives at work, with our family, in our classrooms, churches, and neighborhoods.
We see something that needs to be done, and immediately we lie to ourselves that it’s not our Responsibility or problem. The challenge with this is that EVERYONE else is saying the same thing so if you don’t do it then who will?
RESPONsiBILITY = Respond now with the Ability you have!
You don’t have to get it right you just have to get involved. Once you do others will also jump in, and you will successfully defeat Diffusion of Responsibility.
Try this today at your work. Once you see something that needs to get done or be changed Respond now with the Ability you have.
Find Your Passion and You Will Find Your Life!