Michael Wade on Execupundit.com offers up a list of 21 Ways to Fail. It is a simple post but incredibly insightful. There is little doubt that this is the guide on how to fail and, unfortunately, much of the list will likely resonate with many leaders and business professionals.
Each of the 21 ways to fail are great but number two on the list resonated with me - "Regard yourself as a victim". I was immediately transported back to my time at West Point. It might even have been a flashback. During Cadet Basic Training, Beast Barracks as it is affectionately known, a new Cadet is allowed only four acceptable responses. They are:
- Yes Sir.
- No Sir.
- No excuse Sir.
- Sir, I do not understand.
That is it! It is unacceptable to respond with anything other than one of these four choices.
"No excuse Sir."
Great leaders accept responsibility no matter the situation or the variables that weighed on the situation or outcome. Too often in our society and in business we allow leaders to offer excuses for their behavior and outcomes. Often they deflect blame and lay it on the doorstep of others or make excuses for lack of performance. They play the victim. The beauty of teaching young Cadets, the future leaders of men and women in military and business, the value of NO EXCUSE means that responsibility begins and ends with them. If something is not done correctly, a mission is not accomplished or a business objective is not met they accept responsibility - no excuse!
No excuse as a response means that it is understood that success was not achieved and it will not happen again. Enough said. No more to be said. Move on. There are plenty of business leaders, CEO's, political leaders (Detroit's Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick comes to mind here) and business professionals who could really benefit and gain tremendous respect by uttering these valuable words - No Excuse - when failure occurs.
For a great read on this topic and whole lot more about leadership click on the book West Point Leadership Lessons in the right hand column of this site. You won't be disappointed.
No Excuse Sir!
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