When working for my previous employer, there was a Director who would occasionally use this short story to explain to his leaders what it meant to be accountable for the work that we do.

It’s a story about four people named Everyone, Someone, Anyone and No-one.

There was an important job to be done and Everyone was sure that Someone would do it.

Anyone could have done it, but No-one did it.

Someone got angry about that because he thought that it was Everyone’s job.

Everyone thought that Anyone could do it, but No-one realised that Everyone wouldn’t do it.

It ended up that Everyone was angry with Someone because No-one did what Anyone could have done!

He used to finish the story by looking everyone in the eye and stating very clearly that, “Everyone, Someone, Anyone and No-one don’t work here.  If you’re a leader, take responsibility and get it done.”

Does Everyone, Someone, Anyone and No-one work where you are?

Do you ever blame them for work that doesn’t get done that you could have taken responsibility for?

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