Part 4, Chapter 3: Talk about your own mistakes first

Principle: Talk about your own mistakes before citicizing the other person’s

The author gives and example of how his niece came to work for him as his secretary. She was young, straight out of school and he had been working for some time already. She kept making mistakes in her job. Before he was about to criticize her, he realized he was twice her age and with much more work experience. So he started with sharing a story about how he messed up when he started working.

Admitting our own mistakes can help somebody change his or her behavior. (Similar to part 3, chapter 3).

How does this work?

In my mind, it seems to make the person more approachable. Makes you realize, okay, they’re not perfect either. Instead of fearing them, you’re connecting with them.

As humans, it’s very hard to admit we’re wrong to ourselves, let alone to someone else.

How often do you talk about your own mistakes?

–Angela