Most leaders spend a lot of time talking. It comes with the territory. We are constantly casting vision, encouraging, instructing, negotiating, selling, rallying the troops and even having difficult conversations. Verbal and written communication are primary leadership skills.
However, there are two words which are extraordinarily difficult for leaders to say but vitally important to growing their influence and people’s trust in them. Those two words are……..“I’M SORRY.”
I was reminded of the power of these two words today by my favorite sports writer Peter King of Monday Morning Quarterback.com.
Let me explain. Devon Still was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft, the 53rd pick overall. After being recently cut by the team, King referred to Still as a “wasted pick”. But there was more to the story. Read King’s tweets from earlier today:
Apologies, Devon Still. I called him “wasted pick” after Bengals cut him. Unaware of real-life situation, w/daughter battling cancer. Sorry.
— Peter King (@SI_PeterKing) September 2, 2014
I wish @Dev_Still71 and his 4-year-old daughter the best. He’s got life in the proper perspective. I should have done my research better.
— Peter King (@SI_PeterKing) September 2, 2014
So how did I feel about my favorite sports writer, Peter King, after making this mistake? Has my loyalty as a reader been eroded? Can I trust him or his insights moving forward?
Here’s my answer – I am more impressed and have more respect for King than I ever did before. It takes an emotionally secure leader to publicly admit a mistake, own the results and apologize to the offended parties. Even though King is at the top of his profession, he also showed tremendous humility and acknowledged there is still more learning he can do.
All leaders can learn from Peter King’s response to his mistake. When we make mistakes we should admit the error, own the result, apologize, make course corrections and learn from the experience. This will increase trust and our ability to better serve those we are called to lead.
Leaders, who do you need to say, “I’m sorry” to? Right now, STOP what you’re doing and have that tough conversation. Even though it will be very difficult, those words will increase loyalty and make you a much better leader.
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