Some of the weakest leaders I've seen use organizational silos as a defense for not fixing a problem. "Gee, I'd love to help but that problem is in so and so's organization." Nice job of stepping up pal. I'd much rather work with and for the person who instead says "That looks like a big issue over there. How can I help solve it even though it's not in my area?" You get the picture.This mindset pertains to all problems big and small. Whether it's a discarded soda can on the front walkway at your company headquarters or a large profit shortfall in a major business unit, you owe it to yourself and your team to help in any way you're able (even if that only consists of pointing the problem out to the true "owners" and asking how you can help. By the way, simply pick up the soda can and put it in the recycling bin. And if along the way, you find your company doesn't have a recycling program, well… you know what to do).
More:
http://www.thoughtleadersllc.com/2007/12/you-see-it-you-own-it/
