Excuses and explanations

A thin line between them perhaps but a big difference in their style, intent and reputation-building power.

Excuses are rarely followed by proposed solutions. They deflect responsibility. They are often defensive in nature.

Explanations are neutral. Fact-based. Empirical.

Ironically, excuses and explanations often communicate similar if not identical information.

But while excuses are often the end of the conversation, explanations are the beginning. They are the basis for determining what to do next. They are constructive, not deflective.

And of course, the reputations for those who primarily give excuses vs. explanations couldn’t be more different.

Which reputation is yours?