We all make mistakes. It is part of being human! Owning up to our mistakes however is what makes the difference. Yet, time and time again the blame is shifted here or there, and no one is willing to take responsibility and face the consequences of their actions head on. From a business point of view, if you are in the wrong, and then attempt to justify the actions either to yourself or others with random excuses, the customer or prospect is certainly not going to want to do business with you.
Flipped the other way, the saying does go that “The customer is always right”. Well, I beg to differ to a certain degree. I understand that we should be as accommodating as we can to customer mis-steps, however, there is a fine line that should not be crossed. If a business is bending over backwards for their prospects or customers, who in turn are unjustified in the position they are taking, this will always leave an unreconcilable and unbalanced disequilibrium.
No one likes admitting to mistakes, and even less to facing the sometimes harsh consequences. But this is a bitter pill which needs to be swallowed. This will however pay for itself manifold in the long run if you do so. Side stepping it may bring you or your business temporary closure, but it will certainly not bode well for you in the future for the bigger picture.
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Agreed!
In fact when you admit your mistakes, it often adds to your credibility because then the client knows that you are someone who wouldn’t side-step responsibility.
Even though most people would assume that admitting that you’re wrong would make people think that they’re incapable of delivering quality services, it is quite the opposite!
Not admitting to mistakes = Road block in business relationships
Admitting mistakes = Pass Go, collect $200