Not really, not in my opinion. Having been in several leadership roles, I draw a fine distinctive line around excuses.
ex·cuse:
attempt to lessen the blame attaching to a fault or offense; seek to defend or justify.
If you are at fault, you don't want to come of as shirking responsibility and that is precisely what an excuse is.
However, if you accept the responsibility of blame and offer an explanation as to why the shortcoming happened, I'll listen... especially if you also offer solutions.
I will also entertain "I don't know," but not often or for long.
never lie, never throw others under the bus, don't make excuses. you screw up, admit it, apologize and go on your way. this is called being mature, being an adult. be responsible for your actions.
ex·cuse:
attempt to lessen the blame attaching to a fault or offense; seek to defend or justify.
If you are at fault, you don't want to come of as shirking responsibility and that is precisely what an excuse is.
However, if you accept the responsibility of blame and offer an explanation as to why the shortcoming happened, I'll listen... especially if you also offer solutions.
I will also entertain "I don't know," but not often or for long.