How Many Of These Excuses Are You Making As A Leader?
We all know that being a leader is not for the faint hearted. Every day there will be challenges. Even when you have a high point, there is a low point just around the corner.
When things are not going as well as you would have liked, it is easy to start to look for excuses.
So what might be some of these excuses you are making?
People Don’t Get It
I’m sure we all have come across leaders who talk about their staff not getting the seriousness of a situation.
The question you need to consider before you say this is why? Have you communicated well enough? Have you presented things in ways that are meaningful to others or in terms of management speak?
The Conditions Are Not Right
The economy has good and not so good periods. It’s easy to look at the external factors and say the conditions are not right.
An alternative is to look at how you might achieve despite the external conditions, which you are never likely to significantly influence.
It Would Be Alright If…
I saw this a lot among professionals, especially when working in the NHS. People would talk about how things would be much better if there was more money.
In many ways this was wishful thinking as money alone would never change practice or demand.
People Are Not Up For It
You probably know that to achieve anything of significance you need good teamwork.
You can influence to an extent who is on the team, the behaviours and attitudes.
It’s your responsibility as a leader to get people motivated and inspired to give their very best.
It’s Different In Our Industry
There are differences between industries. At the same time there are plenty of common areas that need to be done well no matter the industry.
In truth leading will always be a challenge. The aim should be to embrace those challenges rather than looking for excuses when things are not going so well.
About the Author Duncan Brodie
Since 2006 I’ve worked with in excess of 8,000 accountants and professionals in workshops, seminars and one to one helping them land their next jobs and become better leaders, presenters and business partners. Before that I spent 25 years in accountancy climbing the career ladder from Payments Clerk to FD. I’m a CIMA Fellow, Certified Professional Coach and Team Coach Facilitator.