Apology
Apologies are often given. Some are better than others. Some are more sincere than others. There are even times when the apology is so poorly done, it’s as bad as the offense. But every now and then, when it is done well, the effect is profound. One cannot underestimate the power of apology.
I have been absent from Twitter much of last week due to my workload and family commitments. But I came back to find that an interesting discussion took place. Clearly, there was a debate about the value of Social Media. While I am curious about that conversation, I am more intrigued by the recent post MarcDavison wrote.
I am so moved by the dignity in Davison’s post. It’s simple and incredibly gracious. But what caused me to really pause was the willingness to say something so uncommon that I can’t really recall the last time I heard someone utter it. I certainly have not seen it in such a public forum in a very long time.
I Was Wrong
Those simple words, ‘I was wrong,’ are rarely articulated. And often when they are, it’s immediately followed by the one word that negates it all - ‘but’.
That quality, that willingness to do what has become so rare, an unqualified admission, is one that I greatly admire and do not always possess myself. I’m not entirely surprised to see Marc’s post came on the heels of a long conversation with a man that I believe is an example of that type of integrity, Bill Lublin.
You both have my respect and admiration.
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While I didn’t follow the conversation last week about the value of social media, I wholeheartedly agree with your sentiment about the value of a sincere apology when you’ve made a mistake. In my experience, the phrase, “I was wrong but…”, is much better rephrased as, “I was wrong AND this is how I’m going to fix it so that this situation doesn’t happen again.” Clients, customers, family and co-workers deserve no less. Get in the habit of saying ‘and’ rather than ‘but’ and watch the magic happen!
Linsey – Thanks for your kind words – You know you have a special place in my heart- and I agree with you completely about Marc – he is an exceptional man who is not only smart but with amazing integrity and depth of character – best part of the whole thing was getting to spend some time on the phone with him -
Look forward to my next “Planeta time” Saty well enjoy the Holidays and send my love and respect to your family!
I have always believed that when you make a mistake it is always better to own up to it. As an employer, I give much more credit to those who take responsibility for their mistakes rather than those who point fingers at another. We are all wrong at time, it’s better we admit it and learn from our mistakes.
The way that we communicate continues to evolve but the basic principles of human relationships are timeless. A sincere, “I was wrong” will always be one of the more effective ways to “win friends and influence people” and as much as things have changed, the friendships we earn is still a great measure of success.
One of the other things I admire about the post (after thinking about it further) is the willingness to openly change a position. From what I know of Marc, which admittedly is little and only from being a reader of his work, he has strong, well thought out opinions.
The space is filled with smart, articulate, strong minded individuals. I find it so refreshing to see someone willing to say, “I changed my mind,” or “I see it differently, now.” That’s particularly hard to do when you are vocal and public about your opinion – and very cool.
And Bill – you can count on it.
Missing NY but so looking forward to seeing you again soon.
Doug, Los Angeles Lofts, and Norm – completely agree and thank you for your comments!
Linsey,
It’s awfully strange for a person to read things about oneself when they are written by someone they never met. It’s really strange and wonderful.
I am sincerely touched by what you took from the piece and how you phrased it in your post. I’ll tell you, this is a magical moment in the history of real estate where discussions between vendors, Realtors, educators, etc., are taking place and unfolding in an open forum where we all learn from each other and grow together. As the industry continues to change from what it was to what its going to be years from now, this moment in time and those who are contributing to it, will be remembered and memorialized.
I can only say that my 15-minutes of fleeting fame came as a result of this burgeoning movement called social media. I advise all those who seek to teach it and spread it around to do so with utmost care because when it is done right, as Bill has shown me, the effects are breathtaking. Just look what happened to me after speaking to him for a few hours!
Thank you, good luck and hope we get to meet or speak again.
Davison
That was an awesome post by Marc.