"Chuugi" Duty & Loyalty
Virtue #6 of the "8 Virtues of Bushido"
"Warriors are responsible for everything that they have done and everything that they have said. and all of the consequences that follow. They are immensely loyal to all of those in their care."
The warrior approach towards accountability is very important. He or she can never allow his self to squirm cowardly out of any situation that is his fault because this would be a cowardly act. The warrior can never hide in fear from any person, group of people, or being to dodge any sort of repercussion for his action even if the repercussion is unfair and a danger to the warrior's well being. The warrior will accept harsh punishment before cowering at the feet of another to save self.
I have always enjoyed a saying that was taught to me during my young adult years that goes as such,
"It may not be my fault, but it is my responsibility!"
This saying has provided me much clarity in the confusion that can be caused when involved in projects that others are also participating in along with us. When we work with others to achieve a goal, duties should be split fairly and completed by each person to achieve the goal. But sometimes things may not go smoothly. People can neglect their duties or even drop out which can lead to a full project failing. This is really bad when the project may be promised to an outsider who is expecting results as promised.
Many would feel that it is ok not to complete a project if their partner fails in his part of the deal. They would even expect the person that they are supposed to deliver to, to be understanding and forgiving of the incompetence. A partner not pulling his weight should excuse us for failing the person that we promised. Or should it?
Accepting full responsibility for all that we are involved in regardless of what our partners do or do not do, is the warrior's way to look at any task that we accept. When we agree to work with a partner or group, we are "approving" them as a trustworthy source to do their duty. We are placing our word on that person. Therefor, if they fail, it is our responsibility to pick up their slack and complete their part of the deal. Even if it is not our fault, we must take responsibility for it.
Approaching our tasks and duties with this mindset insulates us from failing because of another's failures. It reminds us to be cautious of who we choose to work with and to be humble in the tasks and duties that we agree to do. We should not accept duties that can be obliterated by the ill acts of one single person, or even a group of people unless we have to. And we must never impose on another by insisting that they excuse our incompetence and suffer the loss because of our associate's actions, instead of going out of our way to do more and deliver as promised.
The warrior doesn't execute an act to gain favor or avoid consequence. Every act done and word said by the warrior, serves a purpose that can not be swayed by reactions and responses. In fact, the warrior does what he does and says what he says without an expectation or desire of approval from others. Deeds and words of the warrior are carefully chosen while knowing that it is possible to be punished for them later regardless of whether intentions were well. Therefor, the warrior usually says and does only things that he would willingly give his life for.
Accountability & responsibility are the two things that separate the child from the adult. Children lie, hide and fear being held accountable. Mature adults invite and appreciate being held accountable so they can repair the issue. To the warrior, a moment of accountability is an opportunity to identify, expose and eliminate a flaw within self.
...and THIS, ...is a "way" of "The Warrior's Edge"! -Jermaine Andre
