Finger-pointer

A 'finger-pointer' is an individual who habitually blames others for their own shortcomings, failures, or mistakes, rather than accepting responsibility. They often deflect blame, seeking to avoid accountability by shifting culpability onto someone or something else. This behavior frequently involves making accusations, assigning fault, and criticizing others while rarely acknowledging their own role in a situation. Finger-pointers can create a toxic environment of mistrust and resentment.

Finger-pointer meaning with examples

• During the project's failure, the team leader, a notorious finger-pointer, immediately blamed the marketing department, despite his poor planning. This demonstrated a classic case of passing the buck and avoiding accountability.
• The coach, a finger-pointer, constantly berated the players for their mistakes, failing to acknowledge his own inadequate strategies. His behavior created a culture of fear, which ultimately hurt their performance.
• Instead of taking responsibility for the delayed delivery, the manager, a serial finger-pointer, blamed the supplier, even though he approved the rushed deadline. This was typical deflection of responsibility.
• When the company lost the client, the finger-pointer executive swiftly blamed the sales team. Acknowledging his own role in setting unrealistic sales projections wasn't in the cards. This showed a pattern of shirking accountability.