How I won the Victim Mentality Bingo.
Not long ago, I organised an Insights Discovery Workshop for my team. 
The venue setup? 

Let’s just say the hotel and I had different interpretations of “AV ready.” 
It still wasn’t fixed prior to the event, so I emailed the facilitator: 
“So sorry, but the hotel is struggling with the agreed room setup, will you manage?”

During the workshop, we reviewed and discussed our personal profiles. 

Mine said: “Tends to blame others.” 
Me: “Nope. Not me.” 
And I meant it. 

Cue the facilitator (with my permission): “Let’s read Katharina’s email about the hotel…” 
Silence. There it was. My own words, my version of “It’s not my fault!” staring back at me. 

I’d been playing Victim Mentality Bingo without even realising it: 

⚪ “I didn’t know” 
⚪ “The hotel messed up” 
⚪ “They didn't come back to me”

We all do this. Even people who think they’re “self-aware.” (Me)
Victim language isn’t just whining. 
It’s a sneaky way to dodge accountability. 
And if you do it, I guarantee you, your team will too.
Want to break the cycle?

Spot the script: 
⚪ Listen for “I didn’t know” / “It’s their fault” / “Nobody told me” 
⚪ Ask: “Could I have done more?” (Spoiler: The answer is always yes.)
⚪ Model “Own It” energy: “I missed that detail. Here’s how I’ll fix it.”

Leaders, you are setting the tone.

If you blame the hotel or IT, or HR, or [fill in the blank], your team will play the same game. 

Next time you’re tempted to point fingers, ask yourself: 
“Am I winning Victim Bingo… or building accountability?”

At Skill Boxx we help leaders develop the self-awareness to break free from the “it’s not my fault” cycle and build teams that own their actions.