My Best Career Advancement Advice

December 15, 2011

by Meryle Corbett
Certified Management Accountant with 30 years business experience, most recently in CFO roles. Areas of expertise include leadership, team building, mentorship, strategic planning, system implementation, business venture negotiations, financial modeling, internal controls experience.

The above sign hangs above my office doorway as a daily reminder.  It is a gift from one of my favorite base managers, who is also one of our organization’s most highly regarded leaders.
The sign, “No Excuses”, is a theme we have often discussed — when things go wrong in our business, it’s always easy to blame another employee (“he did it”), another department (“they did it”), another manager (“he told me to do it”) or even a customer (“they insisted”).   It’s human nature to rationalize our actions or find reasons to shift blame.
What does a CEO think of these kind of excuses?  Not much!  Most CEOs I talk to consider making excuses a career limiting move.  As one CEO says: “Bring me an employee who will identify the problem, admit the mistake and find a solution to fix the situation next time.  I’m sick and tired of hearing ‘Somebody, Nobody or Anybody did it!’ ”   
Customers, too, want to have upfront and honest treatment.  Next time a problem occurs with a customer, consider this response:  ”We are terribly sorry and can offer no excuses – we have made a mistake and we will fix it immediately.  What else can we do to make this right with you, because you are a valued Customer!”
You will likely be perceived as honest, forthright, accountable and responsible – not whining, evasive, negative or blaming.
Remember: “No Excuses”  – step up and be accountable  to your peers, bosses and customers.