So, what’s holding you back. Do you finger-point? It’s easy to do and often seems justified, but even so, what’s gained? Regardless of how “real” the blame is, blaming will not improve the results; it could worsen things. Without training for improvement, how does attaching blame help? If someone dropped the ball, didn’t follow through, or did a poor job, pointing a finger will not improve it. (OK — you might feel a little better, but how does it help?) Do you allow excuses to side-rail you? So, what’s holding you back? Could it be you?
What’s Holding You Back?
Complaining about problems and mistakes to others without looking for solutions is toxic gossip. It helps no one, including yourself. Do you want to improve, complete the task, and improve it? Here’s where you can start.
Stop Griping And Start Helping
- Instead of passing blame, think about how you and your team can get it done.
- Don’t gripe and complain about why something wasn’t done. Figure out what can be improved.
- It does no good to let it fester, so consider how the problem could be avoided next time.
- Don’t stop there. Reflect on what else needs changed.
- Look around and ponder who else could help.
Think about it. Any excuse becomes a reason not to perform. Do you want to perform at the highest level or underperform due to excuses?
An Exercise For Improvement
Let’s play a fantasy game. Imagine you’re the commander of an army facing horrific conditions. What would you do?
- Most troops lack uniforms, shelter, or warm clothing, including shoes, and it’s bitterly cold.
- There’s little food or potable water.
- Over half the troops are sick with dysentery, flu, malnutrition, and worse.
- There is a severe shortage of ammunition.
- Nearly half the citizens of your country are against the war.
- The government is months behind paying your troops.
- You’re fighting a highly trained, larger, better-equipped force.
- Volunteers regularly abandon posts. Sometimes entire regiments.
History buffs know these are only a few obstacles General Washington faced during the Revolutionary War. They were substantial roadblocks, but as you know, he didn’t use them as excuses.
Quit finger-pointing. Stop allowing excuses to affect your performance. Find a way to help.
How Can I Help You?
I like to help people and organizations, but I have three criteria I consider before taking an assignment – I believe in what the organization stands for, I know I can help, and it looks like fun. If you have any questions, Contact Me.
Does your business have a management training plan? Businesses and universities use my book, The New Manager’s Workbook, a crash course in effective management, as the basis for their leadership development program. I’m also available to conduct training.
If you enjoyed this post you might also appreciate this post, Why You Should Set Expectations with Trainees from Day One.
Photo by Diana Olynick on Unsplash
