Fourteen Standard Excuses and How to Deal with One of Them - Brief Article

School Administrator, May, 1996 by George E. Pawlas

As a school leader, you encounter people who give you a reason or perhaps more than one reason why something cannot be done.

Undoubtedly the following 14 excuses for someone not wanting to do something are familiar lines.

1. That's the way we've always done it.

2. No one told me to go ahead.

3. I forgot.

4. I didn't know you were in a hurry for it.

5. That's not in my area of expertise.

6. Wait 'til the boss comes back and ask him/her.

7. I didn't think it was very important.

8. How did I know this was different?

9. I'm waiting for the OK from someone.

10. That's his/her job, not mine.

11. I thought I told you.

12. I wasn't hired to do that.

13. That's not my writing.

14. I'm so busy, I just can't get around to it.

A Memory Aid

Perhaps these excuses might never have been uttered if the person to whom they were directed had been more explicit in giving out expectations. When you give specific deadlines, guidelines, and procedures, you leave little to interpretation. By writing down the key points you want remembered, you will have prepared a document for future reference. Your copy will serve as a useful record.

The last excuse above can be handled by the accompanying item.

I consider it indispensable. People forever say, "I'll do it as soon as I get around to it." So here is a round TUIT. Cut it out. Keep it handy and you'll have no more trouble getting all those assignments done.

I have used this technique successfully with teachers I have worked with over the years. By giving each their own round TUIT printed on card stock at the beginning of the school year, I eliminated the chance for them to use that as an excuse.

In addition to sharing the round TUITs with teachers, you may want to share some with support staff, as well as custodial and cafeteria workers.

I gave a copy to the parent-teacher organization's leaders so they would not be able to use the excuse, "I just can't get around to it!"

Offered in a light-hearted way, along with more serious sharing of specific tasks, this device allowed me to help teachers meet deadlines and expectations more efficiently and effectively. And our round TUITs became the expression of the year.

George Pawlas is a former principal in Georgia, South Carolina, and Ohio.