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The conversation got right to the point when he said “I’m just calling it as I see it.”

Thank you for calling GIH where we instigate growth one call at a time where we utilize antiquated technology to deliver 3-minute leadership lessons every week day! This is message #132 and I am Aaron Havens.

John Maxwell is known in leadership circles around the world. If you are serious about developing as a leader you will probably end up reading a book written by John Maxwell. He is a prolific author and speaking on the topic of leadership. I came across a quote of his that hits home.

"It is not the mistake that defines you, but how you take responsibility for it." – John C. Maxwell

If you listened to the Hotline yesterday I talked about breaking a ground light. Yep, I knew that was going to be expensive to replace. I also knew that I needed to contact the property manager before they contacted me. I asked him to give me a call. As I explained the mistake I made and told him the job was only 1/4 of the way finished he said “I’m just calling it as I see it. Maybe we should have picked another contractor”. To which I replied something like, “yep, I don’t blame you. We made a mistake and we will make it right. I just hate you have to spend your time dealing with this mess. I wouldn’t blame you if you moved on!”

Let’s get to the point. As the day progress we fixed the mess and owned it each step of the way. He is happy and we are already talking about the next contract.

I’ve learned a valuable lesson in my life. OWN YOUR MISTAKES. Don’t try to hide them. Don’t just hope no-one notices. Raise your hand and admit when you break that thing, make the wrong call, lose something, scratch something… on and on. And if your results are anything like mine. The people around you will be very gracious and your actions will actual draw people closer to you. They now know they can trust you do admit when you’re wrong and that you’ll do the right thing.

Thanks for calling in today. Tune in tomorrow for a fresh new topic! After the beep tell me about a time you royally messed up, owned it, and made it right. What did you learn from it. OR Let me know of a time you hid a mistake and still feel bad for it.