If you are not accountable, why do you expect your team members to be?
If you lead an organization or a team, accountability is an essential trait. Lack of accountability leads to distrust which, in turn, leads to disengagement. When you find yourself falling back on an excuse, stop and think about the impact it has on your team and consider using an alternative response instead.
Below is a list of commonly heard trust BUSTING excuses and an alternative trust BUILDING response.
Trust Busting Excuse #1: It slipped my mind.
Trust Building Response #1: I won’t forget.
Trust Busting Excuse #2: Sorry, I’m going on vacation.
Trust Building Response #2: This will be done before I go on vacation.
Trust Busting Excuse #3: I’ll do it later.
Trust Building Response #3: I will do it right now.
Trust Busting Excuse #4: Keep reminding me.
Trust Building Response #4: You will not need to remind me.
Trust Busting Excuse #5: It’s not on my “to do” list.
Trust Building Response #5: I’m putting it on the top of my “to do” list.
Trust Busting Excuse #6: It isn’t a high priority.
Trust Building Response #6: I’m giving it high priority.
Trust Busting Excuse #7: It was just a white lie.
Trust Building Response #7: I admit to being dishonest.
Trust Busting Excuse #8: I’m very busy. Check back later.
Trust Building Response #8: I’m very busy right now but let’s talk in one hour.
Trust Busting Excuse #9: I thought I did it.
Trust Building Response #9: I will take care of it right now.
Trust Busting Excuse #10: I ran out of time.
Trust Building Response #10: It’s more time consuming than I thought, but I will get it done.
What are some other common trust busting excuses? Leave a comment.
Barbara Brooks Kimmel is the Executive Director of Trust Across America-Trust Around the World whose mission is to help organizations build trust. She is also the editor of the award winning TRUST INC. book series. In 2012 Barbara was named “One of 25 Women Changing the World” by Good Business International.
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If you would like to communicate directly with Barbara, drop her a note at Barbara@trustacrossamerica.com
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