There are three statements you can learn to say, over and over, to
remain flexible in turbulent times. Here they are:
A. I was wrong. Most people would rather bluff,
bluster and deny rather than admit that they were wrong. What makes
the refusal to admit you are wrong even worse is when everyone around
you already knows that you are wrong. You are the only one who is
fooling anyone and that one person you are attempting to fool is
yourself. When you are wrong, the smartest thing you can do is admit
it quickly, solve the problem, and get on with achieving the desired
outcome.
B. I made a mistake. It is amazing how much time, energy and
money is wasted because some people's egos are so large that they will
not admit they have made a mistake, even one that it obvious to
everyone around them. Once you say "I was wrong" or "I made a mistake"
the issue is largely over. From then on, everybody can get on with
resolving the problem or achieving the desired outcome.
C. I changed my mind. If you get new information that
contradicts the information upon which you made a previous decision,
be prepared to admit candidly that you changed your mind. It is not a
weakness or character flaw to be wrong, to make a mistake, or to
change your mind. In fact, in a time of rapid change in the area of
knowledge, technology and competition, it is a mark of courage,
character, and flexibility to be willing to "cut your losses" quickly
and practice the "reality principle" in everything you do.
Be willing to deal with the world as it is, rather than the way you
wish it were or the way it might have been in the past.
