There's No Place For Leadership Excuses

Great leaders cannot enjoy all the luxuries and indulgences that those not in positions in leadership. They must understand that there is never any place for either excuses or blaming others, when it comes to being a true and effective leader. Great leadership is never about personal popularity, but rather about doing the right thing, and having the guts to attempt to accomplish what others refuse to even try to do. George W. Carver stated, "Ninety - nine percent of failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses." Since great leaders are, by necessity and definition, positive thinkers with a can - do attitude, they must never approach issues thinking about failing. The most effective leader is always the one that focuses on his vital vision, in order to create important and relevant goals, that motivate others to care more and do more for his organization. When one is a real leader, there is no place for blaming or making excuses!

1. Why do weak individuals spend so much time, effort and resources using excuses, and resorting to blaming others? My over three decades of involvement with well over a thousand leaders and/ or potential leaders, has taught me that excuses are used as a fall -back position, when someone in a leadership position either lacks the self - confidence, commitment, insight or inner strength to do what is needed to enhance his organization. Invariably, those that rely on excuses are the ones that never formulate thorough actionable plans, and look for short cuts to actual leadership. The reality is that there are no short cuts to leadership, but that being an effective leader is a process that requires step - by - step actions and behaviors.

2. One of the things that those ascending to positions of leadership is that being a leader requires a significant commitment. This commitment is in terms of time, resources, personal sacrifice, attitude, behavior, absolute integrity, and striving to be the best leader one can possibly be. Unfortunately, far too many individuals attain leadership roles, either unprepared or uncommitted. Most of these individuals are well meaning, but either lack the training, commitment, or inner strength that true leaders possess. If you witness resort to blame or excuses, realize that individual is not a true leader!

Some individuals spend so much time and effort making excuses or blaming others that they waste precious time, efforts and resources, that could and should be used elsewhere. Leaders must hold themselves responsible for their actions, as well as the actions of whatever happens under their watch. Blame and excuses pay no organizational dividends!