Excuses

"Losses are inevitable, but excuses are optional." Tim Hansel

Ever try to overcome that nagging feeling of failure? You know, the one where we knew the results were going to be awesome. The one we knew we had in the bag. The one where we start to make excuses for the lack of results. The insufficiencies of our planning and research led us to a dud. We were so sure. So confident. These are the most difficult times to stand up, raise my hand and confess to the world that I missed it. It is my fault. I was too quick to look to the amazing results which contributed to the oversight of the data or comments from my spouse, my team, boss or coworkers. 

Now what? Once you have owned up, let's quickly move to learning. Let's get back together and DEBRIEF. (Great Book. Flawless Execution by James D. Murphy https://www.afterburner.com/news/peak-performance-alignment-and-flawless-execution-in-you-and-your-business/ ) Let's spend a few minutes unpacking the details of what contributed to the failed opportunity. What I have found is that most of the companies I work with have not developed the process of Debrief. Looking at the process that caused the results and finding a few things we can do different or adjust that will create better results next time. 

So, what do we do? Let's get out our calendar and schedule a Debrief for the project that just finished and see what we can learn. Let's gather data and get some insight for how we can do it better and more profitable next time. You got this. No more excuses. Just admit we missed the mark. Look back at the journey and try some new things this next time and see if we get better results.