We work in highly unstable and insecure environments on a regular basis. They require something special from the teams inside them. The ability to apologise to each other quickly and well.
Instead, we often slip into the desire to be proven right. Or if we are honest, to prove someone else wrong. This can quickly transition into a state of self righteousness. You know what those meetings look like.
Thoughtful, slow, nuanced conversations where we can admit we are wrong, are challenging to those of us brought up in today’s corporate settings. These settings have created perfect, all knowing beings walking around fearful of saying “I am not sure,” or “I don’t know.” or “I am scared,” or “I was wrong last time we spoke.”
Owning your apologies can be uncomfortable, upsetting, angering, embarrassing or humiliating. But then, so is much of what helps us grow.
Khurshed Dehnugara
