Let’s take a closer look at the word RESPONSIBILITY. If respect is the foundation of our Majestic workplace culture, then responsibility is the next logical component. Keep in mind, there is no “official order" to our core values—each one is just as important and fundamental as the others.

According to Oxford Languages, responsibility is defined as:

A moral obligation to behave correctly towards or in respect of a person or thing.

That’s a broad definition, so let’s unpack it a bit. A moral obligation—heady stuff indeed! The word moral has been examined by many great minds throughout history, including Plato, Kant, Hegel (my favorite), and Kierkegaard. These philosophers grappled with the concept of moral obligation in relation to responsibility.

Let’s simplify this. A principle (like responsibility) becomes a moral obligation when one is commanded to act upon it. But where does that command come from?

At Majestic, our Heavenly Father is our touchstone. We are responsible for following His teachings and exhortations—He is our moral compass. Our responsibility to each other and those in our care stems from a strong Judeo-Christian, faith-based approach to everything we stand for and do.

Despite this common origin, there are different kinds of responsibility:

1. Personal Responsibility - Being accountable for our own actions, behaviors, and choices. Accepting the consequences of our actions.
2. Social Responsibility - Being aware of and addressing the impact of our actions on society and the well-being of others.
3. Environmental Responsibility - Being mindful of the impact of our actions on the environment and taking steps to minimize harm.
4. Professional Responsibility - Fulfilling obligations and ethical standards in the workplace.
5. Legal Responsibility - Understanding and complying with legal obligations, and respecting the rights of others.
6. Ethical Responsibility - Adhering to moral principles and values in decision-making and actions.

Whew! That’s a lot to take in. I studied Philosophy at university, specializing in Ethics, so forgive me if I go on a bit—this is near and dear to my heart.

This information is all well and good, but how do we distill it into something we can pass along to the kiddos? How do we, as coaches and families, reinforce these values in each other? It can seem daunting, to say the least.

First, let’s try to find a kid-friendly definition:

RESPONSIBILITY - Fulfilling our assigned tasks and duties, and following through on commitments.

Is that an oversimplification? Possibly, but it’s a great starting point. The best way to teach is by example, so we start there. All the adults here at Majestic strive to be the best role models we can be. We model responsibility in several ways:

1. We let the children help us. Through gentle guidance, they learn to tidy up after themselves, be on time, socialize, keep themselves healthy and alert, and develop many other skills to help them succeed in life.
2. We manage our expectations and make sure they are age-appropriate.
3. We recognize the children’s efforts and compliment them.
4. We provide structure and routine.

Most importantly, we enjoy and care about each other. We care about each child as an individual with their own distinct qualities and quirks. We embrace individuality, nurture it, and have a lot of fun along the way!