Principle 12: If You are Wrong, Admit it Quickly nd Emphatically

If you know you will be rebuked anyway, it is much better to take the first step and do it yourself enthusiastically, rather than have someone do it. Not only will this remove guilt and defensiveness, it usually address the problem caused by the mistake and encourage the other person to be open-minded too.

Admit mistakes and condemn yourself as the other would as quickly as possible. Most of the time, the other will defend you.

Any fool can try to defend his or her mistakes - and most fools do - but it raises one above the herd and gives one a feeling of nobility and exultation to admit one's mistakes.

Practice Principle 12

Next time you find yourself in the wrong, challenge yourself to be the first to point it out. If you messed up on a work project, approach your boss about it, or bring it up next time you meet with her. By conveying that you not only acknowledge your mistakes but also that you've thought about how to avoid making similar mistakes down the line, you show your boss that you are responsible, honest, and diligent, and she is far more likely to dismiss the issue and continue to trust you.