This week’s topic of EXCUSES has produced lively thought and conversation.
Excuse-making is the opposite of taking personal responsibility and requiring that others do the same.
Excuses are probably least welcome when something has occurred for which we need to apologize.
Kimberly Johnson said: “Never ruin an apology with an excuse.” It’s a very common practice in our culture to say things like, “I’m sorry for doing that . . . but I was so upset I just couldn’t help it.”
Apologies are beautiful when one takes sincere and complete ownership for one’s part.
Can you think of a time when you apologized, but diluted the apology with an excuse? How did it turn out?
Ever received an apology that went something like, “I’m sorry, but . . .”? How did it feel to hear that?
Best policy: eliminate excuses altogether.