“Apathy is not a result of bad members, it’s a result of uninspired leadership.”

This striking quote has been stuck in my head all last week. It’s also the premise underlying a rocking blog called “The Apathy Myth” by speaker T.J. Sullivan. I’ve grown quite fond of this blog because T.J. addresses college student leaders who want more from their organizations. His posts are wise, funny, practical, and respectful—a pretty rare combination for messages aimed at this audience.

This quote also highlights a broader issue. Leaders often hastily jump to the conclusion that others are inadequate. It’s easy to point fingers, and overlook the possibility that it’s really your fault. But in fact, there’s one element common to all of your challenges: You’re in them. Given that, I propose that “maybe it’s you” is a great starting point anytime something goes awry. Start by asking, “What am I doing that’s contributing to this situation?”

To help reinforce this perspective, I’ve asked some animated friends at xtranormal to act out a scene. The video below is pretty odd…but its oddity makes it more likely to stick with you. So, enjoy: