nless we take these risks and give them that opportunity. As a good supervisor, you know when your subordinate is ready to take on a more active role. You are willing to take that reasonable risk in order to let this person grow and learn. You alone are responsible for their actions, good or bad. Now, remember General Lee’s philosophy that when delegating authority the subordinate must share your vision. General Lee put his trust into General Longstreet, even though he knew General Longstreet didn’t share his vision. General Longstreet didn’t follow through with General Lee’s plan, which resulted in the failure at Pickett’s charge at Gettysburg. After the failure Lee said, “All this has been my fault. It is I who have lost this fight, and you must help me out of it the best way you can.” (AFPAM: 84) General Lee put all the blame on his shoulders. Lee knew that no matter how much discretion he left to his officers, the responsibility ultimately rested on him. 5. I hope you now have a better understanding of why its important in giving subordinates the honor when they succeed, and taking the blame when they fail. I believe you must help your subordinates grow and to do so you have to take reasonable risks. This might mean taking the blame sometimes. We as supervisors and leaders need to know when our subordinates are ready for more responsibility and when to delegate the authority to them. After that it’s up to them to perform and for us to support their decisions. It is also beneficial for a leader to give honor to their subordinates then it is to take it all yourself. I hope now you will use this style as a leader. 7. Its now 0700 and I have just left the commanders office. I have taken the heat for my subordinates. It’s now time to educate them on a lesson learned. ...
