For as long as I can remember, I have seen leaders and people in some type of authority position try to cover up for poor choices they have made. We have all seen this, right? The C.E.O. who claims he or she knew nothing about the embezzlement, or the Politician who says they never said this or that. Even locally we hear of someone trying to dodge the bullet of responsibility or to be held accountable for their actions. My guess is they do this all in the name of trying to retain their character or image. Granted, it is not everyone or everywhere, but when it happens, we hear about it.
I am far from the guy who goes around pointing the finger or talking about the latest scandal. To be frank about it, I have no interest in it whatsoever. People’s problems or situations are just that: they are their problems, not mine. What interests me about this is how and why people go to such great lengths to either justify their actions or claim their innocence. People have even gone on national television and pleaded with the country, only to hear later that they were, in fact, not being totally honest. It’s unfortunate and sad that this happens. I say this because I know first-hand making mistakes is part of being human. We all do it. At one time or another, every one of us have made a poor choice that resulted in a not-so- good ending. It may have been minor or very damaging, but along the way all of us have landed somewhere in between.
Remembering back to my days of Boy Scouts, I recall the scout masters and leaders teaching us what it was to not be just a good leader, but a great leader. Still, twenty five plus years later, I am reminded of those teachings and the experiences that came along with being in Boy Scouts. I was taught if you were a leader and made a wrong choice or a poor decision, admitting you were wrong and asking for forgiveness was the right thing to do. Not only was it the right thing, it was the only thing and to do anything but this was to be dishonest and a disgrace.
I don’t ever want to judge people for what they are accused of, it’s not my place. That is between them and God. I just can’t help but wonder, though, how different things would be if leaders everywhere simply admitted fault and asked for forgiveness when it deemed needed. From everything I can see, most people will forgive if they are asked to, providing they are asked from a humble heart and a place of brokenness. I know in my life I have been given much grace, over and over again, so when needed, I have much grace to give back. I think the majority of us feel the same way, we just want to know the motive to do so is sincere.
From what I can see, admitting we are wrong and asking for forgiveness from those whom we affected is far more admirable and honorable, as opposed to trying to pass the buck onto someone else. Cities, businesses and the communities where we live long to have leaders who are not necessarily perfect, but who are accountable and responsible for their actions. Many times I have made the wrong choice when I thought it was the right one, and many times I have found myself being humbled and asking for forgiveness. Leaders who can set aside their ego and do this, are far more likely to gain respect and gain people who will follow them, as opposed to justifying, denying or passing blame. It takes a level of maturity to do this and it makes a good leader, a great leader.
If you are in a leadership position, do not be afraid to admit you were wrong. Contrary to popular belief, it is ok to be wrong. You are never going to be right 100% of the time. The key here is to grow from being wrong and be able to take that experience and the emotion it gave you and not make the same mistake again. Living your life like this is what most would call “working your way to success.” It is learning from your mistakes and moving forward, making better choices the next time around.
Have a great Friday everyone, be blessed.
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