How saying I’m sorry can build a killer team
Rule #6 — Never say “I’m sorry”, it’s a sign of weakness.
If you watch the television show NCIS you are familiar with the famous Gibb’s rules. They are chocked full of great advice for dealing with the job of being an NCIS investigator as well dealing with life in general.
Everything from — Always wear a glove at a crime scene (Rule #2) to Don’t waste good (Rule #5).
However rule #6 is WRONG!
We all have times in our lives that we make a mistake and need forgiveness. When you say I’m sorry is not a sign of weakness, in contrast it is an amazing sign of strength. Being able to be vulnerable shows you are someone that has a strong understanding of who you are and what you stand for.
Why is saying “I’m sorry” so important to building healthy relationships and showing great leadership?
Here are 5 reasons I think saying “I’m sorry” is vital to your leadership success.
Perfection
We have finally reached a time in society where we have come to one brilliant epiphany…No one is perfect. We have seen great people make mistakes and learn from them to become even greater. When you make a mistake and apologize it allows you the opportunity to grow as a person and as a leader. Your team already knows you screwed up, now own up.
Allows for grace
If we can make mistakes than our team members can too. If your team is afraid to make mistakes it inhibits their risk taking abilities. That fear paralyzes their willingness to grow and build. They and you will be stuck right where you are without the new ideas, or skills ever coming to light. Show them that it’s ok to make mistakes and they will grow with you.
Relieves tension
Nothing shuts down team communication like unresolved conflict. In most cases, your team knows you screwed up. At this point it is up to you the leader to decide what comes next. Do you want tension and ineffectiveness due to an underlying conflict or do you want the team to be free of that tension and firing on all cylinders. If you want an effective team, apologize and move on.
Shows the other person you care
When have wronged someone and you humble yourself to apologize, it shows them you care about the relationship and about them as a person. Saying I’m sorry opens up a dialogue where communication may have collapsed. When you admit you were wrong it diffuses any ammo and animosity the other person may have had towards you. They may not forgive you but at least you have shown them you care.
Go first
The definition of a leader is someone who goes first. By saying I’m sorry, you are doing just that. You are leading your group down a path that will ultimately make you a stronger leader and them a stronger team.
These are 5 quick reasons why saying “I’m sorry” helps in building your team.
