Even the brightest minds sometimes make mistakes. And that’s fine, but it can be difficult to deal with him if it was his own subordinate who made the mistake. There is a right and wrong way to deal with other people’s mistakes.
The most effective way to address a person’s mistake, and still keep your relationship strong, is to start by honestly praising them for what they did right. Sure, they may have dropped your glass coffee mug on their way to take it away, but they thought of you enough to bring you coffee, didn’t they?
When you begin to praise them for the right things they do, you are subtly communicating, “I am pleased with you and I approve of you.” Then when you point out what they did wrong, they are more willing to change their behavior, because now they see you as their coach rather than their boss.
Another thing that happens when you start with a sincere compliment is that the other person’s mind prepares to think of right things instead of wrong. Unconsciously, they are being programmed to strategize on how to correct their mistake, rather than reflect on how serious their mistake was.
By applying this simple strategy to your business and personal life, you will find that it will work wonders time and time again. Not only will others benefit from your kindness, but you will benefit as well. You will feel better about yourself and you will also start to be kinder to yourself when you make mistakes.