When you make a mistake, own it and eat the crap sandwich, so you can move past it. When you don’t, the crap stays there and keeps stinking, until you have to do something even more uncomfortable.
I have frequently watched and participated in this lesson throughout my life and my work, not just with me but with others.
This week I’ve had two recent examples of this lesson.
The impact of owning your mistake
A neighborhood Facebook group I’m part of created a new group for everyone to join. Unfortunately, nobody told the group moderators, so they didn’t let in over 100 new people. Whoops! They educated the moderators, ate the crap sandwich publicly and privately, and all is well.
Basically here’s what was said: “I’m sorry this situation happened. We made a mistake and it’s better now. You’re welcome here. Please accept my apology.”
The impact of not owning your mistakes
Months ago, a leader promoted someone who should not have been promoted, as the person was dishonest and stole someone else’s work and never gave the person he stole it from credit. When the leader was told about this mistake, she doubled down and insisted she made the right decision, instead of firing the dishonest employee. Unsurprisingly, this employee has underperformed as he wasn’t qualified to do the new job, and he is now a blight on his team and the company. This leader has lost all respect of her entire leadership team who knows the truth, and she will likely experience much turnover on her leadership team.
Eat the Crap Sandwich!
Whether you eat the crap sandwich or not, people see the crap on your face. They know what you did wrong – and YOU have to lay your head on the pillow knowing you didn’t make it right.
This wasn’t always an easy lesson for me to learn, as I’m sometimes an overly prideful person. My hope is you can learn this lesson through me instead of having to experience it yourself.
About the author: Phil Gerbyshak has eaten his share of crap sandwiches, and now he works with service consultants and sales reps to build pipeline, drive conversations and close more business. Connect with Phil on LinkedIn.