When you make a mistake do you ever stop to learn from that mistake? My husband has a favourite response when our kids make mistakes …. he always ask them “Did you learn something?” If they respond no then he always says “Well then you will probably make the same mistake again”.

I always tell my children that I would rather they admit to their mistakes and we can deal with the consequences rather than trying to hide the truth. Let’s face it, the truth always seems to have a way of coming out anyways. My children know that the punishment is worse if they are caught trying to hide something or are caught lying about something. Many times it is hard as a parent to remember the lesson that I am trying to teach them and try to remain calm when they make mistakes. It is not that they are not punished at times for these mistakes, but they understand that hiding it will result in a harsher penalty. I believe I am preparing them for the “real world” and this lesson will make them great (not that they aren’t already wink, wink)!!

This lesson is important to bring into our businesses. No one person is infallible … we all make mistakes. It is what we do with those mistakes that will distinguish those that grow from those that remain stagnant. When you take the time to analyze your mistake and determine the best “course of action” to ensure that this mistake is never made again, it is then that you will allow yourself to grow as both a person and a business owner.

Many people try to hide from their mistakes or blame others, but it takes a “big” person to stand up and admit they made a mistake. When you do admit your wrongs, others are more likely to trust in you and want to help you to learn from that mistake.

For my business, I offer a 100% guarantee. When something isn’t quite right I think it is important for my clients to let me know that I am in the wrong. I pride myself and my business on providing this guarantee. It does mean that I must take the extra time to make sure that things are “perfect”, but I believe my clients deserve nothing less.

I have made mistakes and some of them have been very costly, but my clients have all appreciated the fact that they know I don’t hide from the mistakes I make and in fact they appreciate that I am human too.