216. Why Do We Make Excuses?

Key takeaways

Understanding the difference between excuses and justifications can change how we perceive responsibility in various contexts.
Psychological research suggests that providing an excuse can be better received than not explaining a negative outcome at all.
Repeated excuse making can damage one's reputation and signifies a lack of character, while accountability fosters personal development.
Excuses can serve useful psychological functions, enabling individuals to manage their self-esteem in the face of failure or disappointment.
Effective communication in professional relationships often balances accountability with contextual explanations.

Summary

Exploring Excuses vs. Justifications

Angela and Mike dive into the fascinating question of whether it's better to make excuses or simply accept responsibility for mistakes. They explore the meanings behind 'excuses' and 'justifications', defining excuses as explanations that shift blame away from oneself, while justifications explain actions taken even if they could be deemed wrong. They share humorous anecdotes of absurd excuses heard in the workplace, and Angela emphasizes that excuses have a negative stigma, suggesting that it’s beneficial to understand when they can serve as a helpful form of explanation.

Psychological Insights on Excuses

The podcast elaborates on psychological research related to excuses, discussing studies that indicate excuses can be preferable to justifications in management contexts. Angela mentions a meta-analysis showing that providing any form of explanation is superior to offering none, and emphasizes the importance of acknowledging mitigating circumstances. Through personal reflections and experiences, both Mike and Angela stress the connection between repeated excuse making and one's character, hinting at the role it plays in interpersonal relationships and personal reputation.

Character Development and Accountability

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the ethics of excuse making versus accountability. Angela argues that excusing oneself may relieve temporary stress but could undermine character development when used habitually. They further discuss the potential long-term consequences of being known as someone who makes excuses, and how it might affect one's reputation and relationships. The importance of developing integrity and a consistent character is highlighted, as they conclude that sustaining character in the face of repeated circumstances is key.

The Functions of Excuses

Angela sheds light on the possible advantages of excuse making. Citing research from psychologists like Snyder and Higgins, she discusses how excuses can preserve an individual's self-esteem in the short term. Mike adds his perspective on the managerial side of excuse making, acknowledging that understanding the line between taking responsibility and providing context is crucial for effective communication in professional settings. They conclude that in certain situations, excuse making can paradoxically support a person's ability to change their behavior moving forward.

Show notes

Is it better to explain a mistake or just accept responsibility? What’s the difference between an excuse and a justification? And why is it important to remember that you’re not a pizzeria on the Jersey Shore?

SOURCES:
- Robert Cialdini, professor of psychology at Arizona State University.
- Raymond Higgins, professor emeritus of psychology at University of Kansas.
- Martin Seligman, professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania.
- Rick Snyder, professor emeritus of psychology at University of Kansas.

RESOURCES:
- "‘Explain, but Make No Excuses’: Service Recovery After Public Service Failures," by Matthias Döring (Public Management Review, 2022).
- "To Justify or Excuse?: A Meta-Analytic Review of the Effects of Explanations," by John C. Shaw, Eric Wild, and Jason A. Colquitt (Journal of Applied Psychology, 2003).
- "Excuses: Their Effective Role in the Negotiation of Reality," by C. R. Snyder and Raymond L. Higgins (Psychological Bulletin, 1988).
- "The Attributional Style Questionnaire," by Christopher Peterson, Amy Semmel, Carl von Baeyer, Lyn Y. Abramson, Gerald I. Metalsky, and Martin E. P. Seligman (Cognitive Therapy and Research, 1982).

EXTRAS:
- "How Can You Convince Someone They’re Wrong?" by No Stupid Questions (2021).
- "Under the Boardwalk," song by The Drifters (1964).

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