Howard Schultz demonstrated why he is an effective leader that as been able to grow Starbucks into a premier global brand. Commenting on Starbuck’s downturn in business, Schultz didn’t blame the economy but said, “The problems we are facing have been self-induced. That’s why I think we’ll be able to fix them.

In as similar vein, I spoke for Macy’s West today and heard Rudy Borneo say to store managers, “If I could erase ‘economy’ from your minds, I would. It isn’t about the economy. It is about what we do.”

He wasn’t suggesting that economic conditions didn’t matter; he emphasized that taking responsibility for growing your own business matters more. The economy is tough but it has for many become an easy scapegoat.

These are two refreshing examples of responsibility.