Part of my coaching involves helping companies build collaborative teams. This process requires working with highly responsible people who know how to confront problems directly with no excuses or blame. We respect these qualities.
On the other hand, have you ever worked with someone who rarely admitted a mistake? Such folks aren’t gaining respect…they are sacrificing it. Here is an example I’ll never forget:
One afternoon about 30 years ago I was playing baseball with my then 5-year old son in our back yard. Kevin was practicing hitting, and I made a comment that seems to stun him. His face looked puzzled, and he said, “Dad, was that a put down?” I started to respond by rationalizing and being defensive. Then I stopped mid-sentence and said, “You’re right, Kevin. That was a put-down, and I was wrong to say that. I am sorry.” Kevin’s reaction was very calm. He said, “OK”. This was a teachable moment for me. I learned that people who like and trust us don’t expect us to be perfect. When we make a mistake and don’t own up to it, we can confuse people. When we admit our mistakes and apologize,, we strengthen trust and respect, and most important, the relationships. It has been estimated that nearly 50% of all business failures can be attributed to mistakes that are made but not admitted. Here’s the message: When we make a mistake, own up to it. We will gain respect and help open the door to stronger team collaboration.
