Why Reasons Don’t Matter
Why a business owner should never try and justify an issue to themselves with a reason
I have a great reason why that’s not done…
The product list on the website is out of date BUT we’ve not managed to find anyone to look at it.
The accounts are a bit behind BUT we’ve had software issues holding us back.
We planned to put aside time to look at the long-term strategy BUT we’ve had too many day-to-day things to deal with.
The problem with justifications is they imply that it’s okay if the reason is justifiable. A great reason can, psychologically, let me off the hook. And, If I’m off the hook, I’m less likely to fix the problem.
The “But” Filter
Every time I hear myself trying to put a “but” into a sentence, I stop. Jobs are not done, so there are consequences to deal with. The reason why they are not done does not matter.
But the reasons don’t matter
The product list on the website is out of date means lower sales. That’s all there is to it. Why the product is missing from the website does not matter. What matters is that it is missing.
No long-term strategy means your business is probably going in the wrong direction. Why you’ve no long-term strategy has zero effect on the outcome. The best, most watertight reason will not magic you a long-term strategy.
Don’t justify when things are not right. A job is done, or not done, that’s all that matters. The reason why it’s not done is irrelevant, so don’t give yourself any excuses.
The Employee Mindset trap
When moving from employment to self-employment this can be a bad hangover.
For an employee, a good justification is a watertight reason why you did all you could, your hands were tied, and therefore you still deserve your full bonus.
There’s no space for this when you move into running companies.
