I Was Wrong

A crew leader once insisted on a shortcut during a long trek. The map was wrong, and the shortcut added three hours to the day. That night, around the stove, the leader stood up and said, "I made a bad call. I'm sorry, and I'll listen better tomorrow." The crew went quiet. Then someone handed over a cup of cocoa.

Sometimes the bravest thing a person can say is "I was wrong." A Scout is Brave, and that includes the courage to admit mistakes. Leaders who own their errors earn more respect, not less, because their people know they can trust them.

This week, when you get something wrong, say so out loud. Apologize if you need to, and tell people what you will do differently. Practice those three hard words until they come a little easier.