My bad...

Why is it, in business today, people are so unwilling to admit when they have made a mistake? The only thing worse than messing up, is laying the blame at the feet of someone else, or coming up with a number of reasons why the mistake was made.

The last time I checked, no one has passed through this existence error-free. It's a cliche but it's true...it is not the mistake that matters, so much as how we deal with our mistakes and move forward, regardless of the consequences.

Now starting my 40th year in the independent adjusting business I, as have many of you, have heard it all. I think, after all of these years, I can still count on one hand the number of people I have interviewed regarding an accident who have admitted, "Yes, that was my fault, totally".

I think perhaps it is something that becomes etched into us as children. Not wanting to get caught doing something wrong. Always easier to point the finger at your little brother, or even the cat..."He did it!"

I know on my end, when dealing with people who have made mistakes, it gives me a greater level of confidence in them, after a gaff, to hear them admit, "Sorry, Mike, I made a mistake". Of course, so long as they don't repeat the same mistake over and over.

Having been in this business since 1980, I still make mistakes from time to time. Or miss a deadline. But on each occasion when that does happen, I find it easier to take a deep swallow of pride, admit my mistake, and move on.

As soon as we all admit we're not perfect, it will become a more perfect workplace.