I don’t normally cover topics like this. It has been more than a decade since I’ve held a management position. I was going through old files the other day. In that process, several important documents caught my eye. Here’s one that I’d like to share with you today.
Employees (spouses and children too) often find themselves in the position of wanting to give an excuse. This can take a lot of a manager’s valuable time. You can ease this by making a numbered list of common excuses. That way the employee (spouse or child) only has to say the number. Transaction complete and everyone can get back to work.
Here is an example of one such list. I had this posted beside my office door.
- That’s the way we’ve always done it.
- I didn’t know you were in a hurry for it.
- That’s not in my department.
- No one told me to go ahead.
- I’m waiting for an okay.
- How did I know this was different?
- That’s her (his) job not mine.
- Wait ’til the boss comes back and ask him (her).
- I forgot.
- I didn’t think it was very important.
- I’m so busy I just can’t get around to it.
- I thought I told you.
- I wasn’t hired for that.
You’ll want to create a list that covers your situation. You’ll be pleased with all the time this will save you at home or at work.
lucky I am not in management!! we have a saying at work but at the moment I can't remember it! after all, I have had this week off work and so I have forgotten everything. (will that excuse work)
That's funny. They can walk in and just say the number, but with proper excuse tone of voice. "Uhh, number 1."
Do I have to make my own excuses or can I just borrow your list?
We goats have one answer for every situation….
butt, butt, butt butt
Ha!
Here's a portion of the list I'll need to post for those in my circle
1. I don't know how
2. I'll do that next week
3. I don't want to
4. I don't have the money
This is great, I can see myself printing this out and posting it on the corner of my desk, but…see #11.
#12 has always worked well for me 😉
lol, sure wish i would've thought of this when my kids were growing up. the number 1 on the list would have been, "i didn't hear you"…lol! great list.
have a wonderful day!
hugz!