It’s not my fault…
Nobody told me…
I didn’t know…
If you’re starting out in your career you could be forgiven for leaning on these phrases from time to time.
When we take on the responsibility of leadership we waive our right to excuses. We can’t just lean on ‘I didn’t know’. Now it’s our job to know.
So let’s close out this short series on the ‘Art of Subtraction – Do Less, Lead Better’ talking about it.
The english word excuse comes from the latin word excusare which is actually made up of two origin words. The first means to be ‘out’ or ‘free from’ and the second means to ‘blame’. When we lean on excuses what we really hope to achieve is being out from under or free from the blame.
What that usually means is that we’ll do anything to put the blame onto something else, or worse someone else.
Remarkable leaders don’t do that. In the words of John C. Maxwell, “leadership is taking responsibility while others are making excuses.”
We can’t take responsibility if we’re caught up placing blame.
Taking responsibility isn’t the same as accepting fault, it’s a commitment to future growth and personal ownership.
It’s not my fault…
Nobody told me…
I didn’t know…
This is the language of blame and excuse.
I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again…
Can I ask some questions…
I’ll find out…
This is the language of responsibility and ownership.
A question to reflect on:
“When I’m called on something outside of my control, what is my default response?”