No Excuses
“I’m hopeful that the reforms that the secretary and the administration are undertaking will resolve the flaws in the current system that I inherited.”
– S. Elizabeth Birnbaum
Outgoing Director of the Minerals Management Service
Was the “First high-profile government official to resign in connection with the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.” — NYTimes, May 28, 2010
What has happened to taking responsibility? Or assuming it? There’s certainly enough blame to go around…and lots of excuses and explaining. In fact, there’s an epidemic of blame! Excuses…Finding fault…Pointing fingers…A collective “throwing up of hands…” Anything but honestly taking responsibility. Instead, to avoid blame we seek to make others guilty.
Corporations, governments and individuals go to great lengths to avoid blame. Have you read a user’s manual lately?
“Don’t use hair dryer while sleeping.”
“This TV remote is not dishwasher safe.”
“Caution – contents of coffee cup are hot.”
“500-piece jigsaw puzzle – some assembly required.”
“Do not use microwave oven for drying pets.”
“Wearing this Superman costume does not enable you to fly.”
Even the dry cleaner is culpable. He returns your clean, pressed shirts with broken buttons and points to the sign on the wall “Not responsible for broken buttons.” Of course, what we really need is a cleaner who will be responsible for a wearable, clean shirt…
Blame is merely an excuse. It’s a way to lay guilt on others for one’s own failure to engage. When something goes wrong, the point is not to blame, excuse or explain it away. The objective is to take responsibility. “That’s my problem – I’m going to make it right!”
Excuses have no value; they don’t solve or improve anything. Excuses can be accepted, but they can’t be traded. Try paying for a burger in exchange for a second-hand excuse…
Responsibility is “the ability to cause, admit causing and refrain from causing.” I bought the coffee. I know it’s hot. I’m taking my chances driving my car with a cup of hot coffee in my hand. If it spills, do I sue the coffee shop or take responsibility for the choice I made – no matter the outcome. People who are responsible are more interested in making things happen and improving things than they are in laying or ducking blame. They create products and services that can be exchanged with confidence. No blame. No excuses.
It’s not a blame-free world yet. So, anytime you’re in a situation where it’s tempting to blame others, ask yourself “What can I be responsible for?” “How can I make this situation better?” If more of us take responsibility – and keep our word – the world will be a more productive place. Step up to the plate!
How would your Executive Instruction Manual read?
Caution, contents under pressure!
Break glass only when responsible leadership is required.
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