Pride is a really tricky thing. Not only is it fun to criticize others, but our natural tendency is to defend ourselves and confirm our thinking. But we’re wrong a lot of the time. It’s good to be wrong. That’s how you learn and grow. And it’s great to have your mind changed.
Sam Harris (my favorite philosopher) suggested to Jack Dorsey (CEO of Twitter) that he add a “This Changed My Mind” button option to posts on our Twitter feeds. I think that’s a lovely idea.
The next time you experience conflict, even if it truly isn’t your fault at all, contemplate openly how you could be responsible. I’m not suggesting you put literally every problem and chaotic event on your shoulders, but this habit will improve your leadership skills and build a huge amount of trust and respect from others.
I’ll leave you with two things:
1) Simon Sinek (one of my idols) has an awesome short talk on this subject.
2) “Any fool can try to defend his or her mistakes—and most fools do—but is raises one above the herd and gives one a feeling of nobility and exultation to admit one’s mistakes.” – Dale Carnegie, How to Win Friends and Influence People