ONLY IF ASKED

"There is no waste of time in life like that of making explanations."

Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881) British politician/author.

The answer to the question "Did you do what you said you would do?" is either yes or no. 

Explanations/excuses can follow (only) if requested.

Understand?

"Art is science made clear."

Jean Cocteau

20th century French author/filmaker

There is "science" in business that many do not understand.

From the language business people use to the contracts governing dealings.

The art happens when you make it so all do understand.

Failure: "I Can Explain"

"It is easier to do a job right than to explain why you didn't."

Martin Van Buren
8th President of the United States

And yet so many spend so much time explaining why they didn't get the job done as expected/requested/required.

Why?

Results: Nothing Less!

"Difficulty is the excuse history never accepts."

Edward R. Murrow

Often I heard from employees and kids why something expected would not be happening.

I found it difficult to explain that no matter the reason, our client, the teacher, coach, etc., wouldn't care why something they were told would happen, wasn't going to as they assumed.

However, as Mr. Murrow said, the fact that I found getting this point across to be difficult, did not relieve me of the responsibility to do so.

In the end, reward goes to those who perform rather than those who explain why they don't and that is just as true for us adults as it is for our kids.