How to Eliminate the Most Common Excuses Used By Bad Managers

Excuses have become a way of life in today’s workplace. In the past, accountability was expected. Leaders and employees were responsible for their actions, and excuses weren’t tolerated . But now, things have changed. Excuses are constantly entertained and even at times, encouraged.?

A recent study found the average American makes 2,190 excuses a year—six every day.

We’ve all been there. But the best leaders know better. They see excuses for what they are: roadblocks to progress. Instead of blaming others, they take ownership. Instead of deflecting, they drive results. Said differently;?

Excuses that are entertained help no one. Results follow accountability.?

The Impact of Normalizing Excuses

The modern workplace is chalked full of people who abdicate responsibility. Missed goals? It’s the market’s fault. Underperforming team? It’s the talent on the team’s fault. Project delayed? It’s because of tight deadlines. This mindset fosters weak people who fail to meet their potential. It fuels complacency and average. When excuses are accepted, accountability fades into the background. Teams become comfortable with mediocrity, and innovation stalls.

Leaders who refuse to make excuses and demand accountability create an entirely different culture. To ensure we are on the same page, I defined culture in Building the Best as “the shared values and beliefs that guide thinking and behavior.”

Imagine a culture where the tone accepts excuses and refuses to call out substandard behaviors.? But you probably don’t have to imagine it; you have most likely worked in an organization that normalized it.?

Research found that 50% of leaders acknowledge using external factors as excuses for poor performance.?Here is the problem:

If leaders make excuses, you can bet the team is too.??

When it comes to leadership, many managers and executives have mastered the art of making excuses; placing responsibility onto someone else. With this in mind, here are the most common excuses to avoid to help you and your team be successful.?

Excuse 1: “The market is too tough.”?

Tough markets are a reality. Markets go up, and they go down. They move away from you, and they move towards you. They create challenges, but they also create opportunities.? While there is no denying that a legitimate reason a team or organization struggles is because of a tough market, it might just be a sign.?

Instead of blaming the market, adapt. Reinvent your approach. Innovate and challenge your team to push through the adversity. Netflix started with DVD’s and machines today, you couldn’t find a DVD player.? Netflix is thriving. Clearly, success belongs to those who refuse to give up and are willing to adapt.?

Excuse 2: "I’m waiting on someone else."

This is the most common excuse in corporate life. Teams get stuck because one person is waiting on someone else. It kills momentum and progress.

Instead of waiting, take action. Don’t sit back. Build a stronger case for why the decision needs to happen now. Create urgency by making it more conclusive for why and when action needs to take place.?

Great leaders have a sense of urgency because they love achieving results.

Excuse 3: "I don’t have enough time."

Time is every leader's challenge. But it's also every leader’s choice. The truth? You make time for what’s important. You prioritize what matters.? You use something like the 64 Day Excellence Planner.?

Stop using time as an excuse. Prioritize better. Join the 5 AM club, and take control of your schedule.?

Great leaders do things today that create more time tomorrow.?

Excuse 4: "It’s my team’s fault."

This one hits home because 11 years ago, I blamed my employees instead of looking in the mirror at myself.? Blaming teammates is an excuse that shows poor leadership. If your team fails, you fail. Accountability starts at the top.?

Look in the mirror. Ask yourself, “What could I do differently?” “How can I teach or coach better?” The best leaders don’t point fingers, they pull thumbs.

The best leaders don’t point fingers, they pull thumbs.

Excuse 5: "I can't, I have never done this before."

Change is constant, and no one has all the answers. But not having experience isn’t an excuse to avoid action. The hard truth is that you must go before you are ready.??

Adopt a growth mindset. Figure it out. Research, learn, and collaborate. The best leaders don’t shy away from the unknown—they embrace it and grow through it.

Conclusion:

Excuses are easy. They offer comfort but rob us of growth. Leaders who embrace accountability move forward, while those who lean on excuses stay stuck.

Recognizing excuses is the first step. Eliminating them is the second. As Brian Kight says, "Eliminate BCD—blaming, complaining, or defending."

Benjamin Franklin nailed it: "He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else." Great leaders don’t hide behind reasons—they find solutions. Step up, take ownership, and make progress happen.

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About the Author: John Eades is the CEO of LearnLoft and the creator of the Accelerate Leadership System . He was named one of LinkedIn’s Top Voices. John is also the author of Building the Best: 8 Proven Leadership Principles to Elevate Others to Success . You can follow him on Instagram @johngeades .

Accelerate Leadership Program: Looking to turn your managers into highly effective leaders? Instead of having high expectations, now is the time to also provide a high level of support. Leverage the Accelerate Leadership System for managers in your organization. Learn more here.