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Simply Answer A Simple QuestionPremium Member
Posted By: W.M.M.A. on 7/18/2006 8:22 AM (CST) 1000 Points
Greetings My Dear Associates:

I will put this question on several KHE areas. I am researching, and would like for everyone, not only on the site, but people you know to answer this question, and put the answers here. Your response may blast itself into your head immediately, or you may wish to think about it a while. Any way you wish, answer the question, honestly.

It is a simple question, with complex undertones. OK - This is the question you are to complete:

If everyone felt responsible...

That's it. Just complete this sentence.

Thank You...

Randall
WMMA

Posted by: harry Accepted Answer
7/18/2006 8:25 AM (CST)
...we'd all be to blame.
 
Posted by: damomc* Accepted Answer
7/18/2006 8:30 AM (CST)
...life would be so much easier!
 
Posted by: NeaBoo Accepted Answer
7/18/2006 8:31 AM (CST)
...we'd all be safer and not want for the necessities.
 
Posted by: ShannonD* Accepted Answer
7/18/2006 8:35 AM (CST)
...the guilt would lead to change, and that change would start a revolution.

Shannon D
 
Posted by: jomorcool Accepted Answer
7/18/2006 8:43 AM (CST)
...we'd all be making a difference by helping the community help itself

jomorcool
 
Posted by: Dramagenics* Accepted Answer
7/18/2006 8:52 AM (CST)
...there would be less fear.
 
Posted by: Idris Accepted Answer
7/18/2006 8:57 AM (CST)
we'd taken first step towards success
 
Posted by: MANSING Accepted Answer
7/18/2006 9:23 AM (CST)
Hi W.M.M.A.,

That’s really cool question.....!

If everyone felt responsible...? Then what?

I Feel:

• Well, how do we hold them responsible?

Or I will say?

• We could make a nice love story, where at the end everybody's kissing, and that's a happy ending
• It will solve all the problem


Regards,

M Bhor
 
Posted by: narthur Accepted Answer
7/18/2006 10:25 AM (CST)
for their own health, the US healthcare system would be more efficient and cost effective and our lives would be longer and richer!

Neil

PS: this will be a very interesting thread to read. Great question Randall. I like how you think.
 
Posted by: alyson Accepted Answer
7/18/2006 11:01 AM (CST)
the world would be a better place!

Alyson
 
Posted by: fred.ramstedt* Accepted Answer
7/18/2006 11:33 AM (CST)
collective guilt would overwhelm us all and there would be mass suicides all over the globe.

would there ever be a need for cold hard cash?

governments would be unnecessary evils.

cynicism would cease to get the laughs it does on late night television.

no one would ever have to work another hard day in their lives.

dates would be impossible to come by.
 
Posted by: easyE Accepted Answer
7/18/2006 12:17 PM (CST)
. . . there would be no Global Warming!
 
Posted by: sriedel Accepted Answer
7/18/2006 12:27 PM (CST)
...they could treat everyone fairly.

Sandy Riedel
 
Posted by: Hermann Benes Accepted Answer
7/18/2006 12:36 PM (CST)
...then they would be honest with themselves.

If everyone felt responsible, they should be proud of being a good group.
 
Posted by: jdeems* Accepted Answer
7/18/2006 12:45 PM (CST)
...oh the mountains we would move.

...there would finally be peace.
 
Posted by: Deremiah *CPE Member Response
7/18/2006 12:58 PM (CST)
He-e-e-e-eeey Randall,

I know you're having a great day because you will not have it any other way!

quite an interesting question with many undertones, middletones and overtones. I'm not even sure I should answer it because it may explode before I get it to the web page and ignite it.

Well I'll try it anyway.

If everyone felt responsible there would be no need for psychologist or counselors. If everyone felt responsible there would be no need for thoughts or suggestions. Everything in life would need no explanation because everything would feel interesting.

If everyone felt responsible our feelings would rule over our imaginations, nations would never war with other nations if I felt responsibility it would make me feel responsible, and can you imagine what that would feel like if everyone felt responsible. I could over rule my actual circumstances as if they were invisible because my feelings would rule what I felt if my feelings made me feel responsible. What would I truly need if I felt this feeling of responsibility. Deep inside an amazing serenity...(me, myself and I) would be the holy trinity. If everyone felt responsible the depth of our doing would be done there would be no work for thinking because my feelings would've won. That's what I would feel if I felt that everyone...yes if everyone felt responsible.

...byderemiah 1:02 pm central time

Remember our only real problem in life is our failure to be "MORE Creative" than we’ve ever been. If you “Invent” your opportunity YOU WILL most definitely create your future. Just know that I'm here for you if you need my help Randall. Is there anything else I can do for you?

Your Servant, Deremiah, *CPE (Customer Passion Evangelist)
 
Posted by: darcy.moen Accepted Answer
7/18/2006 1:07 PM (CST)
....we'd all be part of the problem.
 
Posted by: NuCoPro Accepted Answer
7/18/2006 3:34 PM (CST)
Agree with most of the prior posts, but what's missing is we not only have to FEEL responsible, but ACT like we are!

I'm beyond disgusted with seeing people on the news saying, basically, "It's not MY fault!" The common refrain for a million ills. For instance, "It's not my fault I steal; I'm poor" The unsaid part is, "It's your fault I'm poor." (or stupid, or a psychopath, or whatever). It seems a LOT of people never want to accept responsibility for their own actions.

Oh well, I'll step down from the soap box now! :)

Thanks, Randall for another fun question.
 
Posted by: petgirlnz* Member Response
7/18/2006 5:03 PM (CST)
... the president would be out of a job

:)
 
Posted by: lara Accepted Answer
7/18/2006 5:09 PM (CST)
...we'd put a lot more thought into our choices.
 
Posted by: testformecc Accepted Answer
7/18/2006 5:15 PM (CST)
...the work will never be finished!

The person(s) who is/are actually responsible for the job will now have an excuse for not getting it done (since everyone if feeling resposible!)
 
Posted by: cread Accepted Answer
7/18/2006 5:29 PM (CST)
I am with Fred.

If we really all felt responsible we would drown ourselves this afternoon.
 
Posted by: rocafortmercado Accepted Answer
7/18/2006 6:44 PM (CST)
Mmmm.. Perry Barton's intellectual responsibility philosophy... my two-bits:

If everyone felt responsible... we would all have integrity.

Rocafort-Mercado
 
Posted by: deni418 Accepted Answer
7/18/2006 10:30 PM (CST)
Like John Lennon said--"And the world would live as one".
 
Posted by: kaustubh.s* Accepted Answer
7/19/2006 3:33 AM (CST)
then this world would be free from IRRESPONSIBLE people and eveything would go in a right way!!
 
Posted by: Idris Member Response
7/19/2006 7:15 AM (CST)
Hi again....

I have already posted...this is my second answer

we would'nt need a boss
 
Posted by: sean* Accepted Answer
7/19/2006 7:41 AM (CST)
the weight of the world would be divided equally.
 
Posted by: mjburne Accepted Answer
7/19/2006 8:40 AM (CST)
I wouldn't have to regularly pickup litter deposited along one edge of my property!
 
Posted by: W.M.M.A. Author Response
7/19/2006 9:19 AM (CST)
So far, I am very impressed with the answers this group has put forth. I expected no less. I will keep the original question up...but how about ....

As a follow up - What do you think is the best way for employees to buy into a marketing strategy. When I say buy-in, I mean totally embrace it...help make it infectious, since marketing must first be sold internally, before it could ever be sold externally. How can an employer show that they have accepted responsibility for the program, leading the way for employees?

May we keep this dialogue growing?

Randall
 
Posted by: Deremiah *CPE Accepted Answer
7/19/2006 9:30 AM (CST)
Hi Randall,

here's a creative explosion for you...


if everyone felt responsible then they could achieve more.


if everyone felt responsible people would be happier.


if everyone felt responsible what else would we need to do?


if everyone felt responsible customers would never be disappointed?


if everyone felt responsible people would stop blaming each other.


if everyone felt responsible there would be no need for your question.


if everyone felt responsible customers would be able to depend on you.


if everyone felt responsible there would be nothing that would be impossible to achieve.


if everyone felt responsible Lebanon and Israel could kiss and make up.


if everyone felt responsible we could put Enron behind us.


if everyone felt responsible we all could get along.


if everyone felt responsible we would love each other to death.


if everyone felt responsible we could stop world hunger tonight.


if everyone felt responsible would we need to pay taxes?


if everyone felt responsible then we could get on with being responsible.


Randall you're a great man...

Your Servant, Deremiah, *CPE (Customer Passion Evangelist)
 
Posted by: Deremiah *CPE Member Response
7/19/2006 9:59 AM (CST)
Randall,

THE ANSWER IS SIMPLE...
the only true way to make any idea infectious and embraceable by others is to MODEL IT.

WHATEVER YOU WANT TO SEE IN OTHERS REFLECT...
the easiest way to get others to hug and embrace your idea is to make it lovable, adorable, easy to see and grasp. So begin by reflecting what you want to infect in others.

BE PASSIONATE...EVERYTHING BEGINS WITH PASSION...
when people sense that we are passionate about what we do they even overlook our imperfections because they finally get a chance to see something in the earth that they've never seen displayed by other human beings and that is P-A-S-S-I-O-N. A grr-rreat marketing strategy must have PASSION and next it must have the ability to...

SERVE OTHERS WITH TREMENDOUS COM-PASSION...
most companies fail to wear a heart of compassion for others. For some reason we believe that if we stick it to people they'll work smarter and better for us. When implementing a marketing strategy we must allow others to take possession of the concept. We can only show that we have accepted responsibility for our program and our strategy when we Passionately display it. And then we (the employer) must allow ourselves to be compassionate toward others so that they can be free to reflect that marketing strategy in a way that allows the employee to respond to it.

A REAL POWERFUL MARKETING STRATEGY MUST BE FREE...
to be used by those who we are trying to impact with it. We can not evangelize people by dominating them with the idea. We must be organic with it...allow others to grow with it at their own level LIKE NATURE DOES.

WATCH THE FARMER AND LEARN A NEW LESSON YOU'VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE...
For example near where I live a farmer has planted a few hundred acres of corn. In some locations the seed of corn has shot up and taken off. It's vibrant and rich. In other areas where either the soil is not as strong or the water level is not as high the corn has grown slower and is smaller.

But the farmer does not grow frustrated by this she let's every stock of corn grow at it's on level. She doesn't prematurely cut down the smaller stalks but she let's all stocks of corn grow freely until she plans to harvest it. That's how we should do.

Some will move faster with embracing the strategy while others will move much slower but regardless all are necessary.

LEAD THE WAY BY FOLLOWING...SERVE OTHERS WITH SERVANT LEADERSHIP...
put your plan out there then lead by following. Don't choke the employees to death by gripping them to tightly with the idea. If they think you love the plan more than you love them you'll kill them and then you won't have any strategy to implement. So serve your employees by listening attentively to what they are saying. Weigh the value of their input, meditate on what they have communicated and watch to see where things go from there.

SERVE YOUR EMPLOYEES AND THEY WILL RECIPROCATE...
Again be passionate but also be equally compassionate. When you lead them by serving they'll serve you back. Remember our only real problem in life is our failure to be "MORE Creative" than we’ve ever been. If you “Invent” your opportunity YOU WILL most definitely create your future. Just know that I'm here for you if you need my help Randall. Is there anything else I can do for you?

Your Servant, Deremiah, *CPE (Customer Passion Evangelist)
 
Posted by: Papadoc (Steve)* Accepted Answer
7/19/2006 5:47 PM (CST)
... we would all be Italian.

Offspring of Italian, Jewish, and Greek mothers will understand.
 
Posted by: W.M.M.A. Author Response
7/19/2006 5:59 PM (CST)
I'm seeing a slow-down. I know there is more creativity in here. Come on...I'll leave up a while longer.
 
Posted by: W.M.M.A. Author Response
7/19/2006 6:03 PM (CST)
OK...What about this...

As a follow up - What do you think is the best way for employees to buy into a marketing strategy. When I say buy-in, I mean totally embrace it...help make it infectious, since marketing must first be sold internally, before it could ever be sold externally. How can an employer show that they have accepted responsibility for the program, leading the way for employees?

May we keep this dialogue growing?

Randall
 
Posted by: timhayden2006 Accepted Answer
7/19/2006 6:21 PM (CST)
...more than half of service companies would disappear.

HAYDEN
 
Posted by: AndaPR Accepted Answer
7/19/2006 9:10 PM (CST)
If everyone felt responsible...motivations, preconceptions and perceptions may be markedly different, but many of today's problems/painpoints would still exist.
 
Posted by: W.M.M.A. Author Response
7/19/2006 9:43 PM (CST)
I can tell Deremiah really liked this one.
I'm glad he chimed in.

But, I am very curious about some of the other responses.
The statement I made was: "If everyone felt responsible..." Although nebulous, each response was 'attached' to something that the responder "felt" within their thoughts.

Harry stated: ...we'd all be to blame.
Harry, to blame for what?

damomc stated that:...life would be so much easier!
Please, tell us how life would be much easier. If, as Harry suggested, we would all be to blame, how then, does life get easier?

NeaBoo suggests that:...we'd all be safer and not want for the necessities. How can this be? What does safety have to do with feeling responsible?


ShannonD - I'm so glad you responded. Please tell us what you meant by "...the guilt would lead to change," and, please...why would there be a revolution? What would we be revolting against?
ShannonD
...the guilt would lead to change, and that change would start a revolution.

jomorcool provided us with a positive response.
...we'd all be making a difference by helping the community help itself.

The belief here is that if each of us felt responsible for the other, "...and the world-would be a better place...for you-and me..."

What if - everyone was responsible for assuring that others accepted their responsibility?

joekelepolo stated: ...there would be less fear.
If you don't mind, joekelepolo...why are we afraid?

mdidrismba2005 suggested: we will take first step towards success. What type of success? Is there a specific area that you believe would be more successful?

MANSING states: If everyone felt responsible...? Then what? "Exactly!" Then what? MANSING also suggests that others should be held responsible.
• It will solve all the problem

Neil believes - If everyone felt responsible...
for their own health, the US healthcare system would be more efficient and cost effective and our lives would be longer and richer!

alyson ...we can all sing along with this one...
the world would be a better place!

Sandy believes that "they" are responsible as does accesspeople
If everyone felt responsible, they should be proud of being a good group.
---Please define good, and who shall set the standards of "good"?

Deremiah and Gary nailed it...Charles may have a great point. But Lara brings us closer to the point, as it relates to marketing...(which this site explores--and, better than any, if I may add).

If everyone felt responsible...we'd put a lot more thought into our choices.

As marketers, I believe it is our responsibility to put more thought into our choices because our businesses, and the businesses of our clients depend upon the choices we make for them. This is where I wanted to go with this post...Although, I know the statement was quite broad...and, we could go anywhere we wanted with it. Lara's response could easily be applied to every aspect of our lives. And, justifyably so. Not a bad idea. And, the response pulled Part II in, as well.

Thank you, for your amazing responses.
I have learned so much from you.

Randall
WMMA
 
Posted by: Dramagenics* Member Response
7/20/2006 10:03 AM (CST)
To answer the question:

"If you don't mind, joekelepolo...why are we afraid?"

I have been taught that "If you are prepared you shall not fear". A responsible person is prepared. Therefore, there is no need to fear, because you are prepared. Fear of what? I suppose the unknown, e.g. health insurance - if it's good insurance gives you peace of mind that you can visit a doctor, if needed, without draining your life savings. If you are prepared for a disaster, with food and emergency items, you probably would not be panicked in an disaster situation. etc. The fear only comes when we realize that we were not prepared for the situation at hand. Take care of responsibilities and there is less fear.

Does that help? :-)
 
Posted by: NeaBoo Member Response
7/20/2006 1:59 PM (CST)
To answer your question: "NeaBoo suggests that:...we'd all be safer and not want for the necessities. How can this be? What does safety have to do with feeling responsible?"

I appreciate you forcing me to think about this again. Truthfully, that was the first thought that entered my mind when I read your question - we would all be safer.

If everyone felt responsible for their own lives and situations, they wouldn't feel the need to rob, vandalize, kill, etc. They would be able to see how their own actions/decisions lead them to the place where they are and instead of putting the borden of "fixing" it on on someone else or taking it out on someone else, they would take responsibility. You could also say that someone that felt responsible just wouldn't do those things (rob, vandalize, kill, etc.) - whatever their reasons may be.

I guess in short - If everyone felt responsible, they would either take responsibility or do the responsible thing.

Knowing that everyone had a sense of responsibility would mean you wouldn't get that creepy, hair-raising feeling when walking down a dark street.

This would be true on a personal and global level, I think.
 
Posted by: Peter Hobday Member Response
7/21/2006 3:19 PM (CST)
1. If we all felt responsible for something, we would argue with each other over who would claim overall responsibility.

2. To make people embrace an idea or strategy, fear is the most effective motivation. Reward comes second.

Peter Hobday
 
Posted by: rsullivan Member Response
7/21/2006 3:24 PM (CST)
If everyone felt responsible...no ONE would take responsbility. I see this often, when eveyone felt responsible, but often each individual thought somebody else had the ultimate resposniblity to get a task done, follow-up, etc.
 
Posted by: handoyo* Member Response
7/23/2006 9:13 PM (CST)
then none of these would have happened
 
Posted by: zante* Member Response
7/26/2006 8:38 AM (CST)
If everyone felt responsible...there would be no limits to what we can accomplish.
 


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