I’ve got a quick message for you today and want to share one thing you can do at work, to really improve your performance: When you make a mistake – and we all make mistakes – no matter how hard it is, do NOT defend yourself!

I want you to look at yourself and ask this question: “What is my response, when I get caught making a mistake?” Notice I said, “when I get caught.” That may ignite a defensive attitude in you. Maybe you feel like you did get caught. Or, maybe you don’t necessarily feel that way, but you may respond that way.

What is your response when word gets out you made a simple mistake? Or when you overlooked a little detail, then someone points it out?

There are lots of different responses to this situation, but the main one I want to focus on today, to help you dominate in the workplace today is: Don’t defend yourself! Don’t apologize defensively. Say, “Thank you, I’ll get right on it!”

A lot of people – including me, for YEARS – say, “Well, the reason I did that is…” or, “Well, I did that because…” That drives people around you bat-crap crazy! If they didn’t ASK why you did it, you certainly shouldn’t offer that information. Instead, simply say, “Thank you for pointing that out. I’ll take care of it,” and move on! Do NOT give excuses or defend yourself!

The unavoidable fact is, we ALL make mistakes. But you cannot get defensive and make excuses to try to explain why you made the decision you made!

Let me tell you a quick story: My latest book, “First Steps To Wealth” went through 15 EDITS. And every time it came back from the editor, we still found more mistakes! Even when we sent the book to be printed, there were still more edits to be done!

Now, when a book goes through 15 edits, you’re probably thinking it wasn’t written well or the editor didn’t do a good job… right? NO! The editor of a world-famous publication (one you probably read) also edited my book! We did our best and the editors did their best. It wasn’t edited 15 times because of negligence. It was edited 15 times, because everyone needs an editor!

When you defend yourself and give excuses for why you did what you did, it doesn’t make you look good. It makes you look childish. It absolutely does NOT make people trust you or have confidence in you.

However, if you recognize the fact everyone needs an editor and receive correction, knowing it will make you better, it will DRAMATICALLY change your reputation at work and home! This brings harmony and positions you as a humble, teachable person who continually works on yourself.

So remind yourself of this often! Ask yourself, “Do I defend myself when I make a mistake, or do I take personal responsibility?” Make a habit of evaluating this in yourself regularly.

I can’t wait to hear what happens for you next. I know this one thing can potentially change your work and home life, because that’s what it’s done for me. So, keep me updated – I can’t wait to hear how this impacts you today. Please leave me your comments below! Then go ahead and pass this message along to anyone else you know who it would benefit!

In great faith,

P.S. Like what you read here? Just hit the “LIKE” button at the top of the page! That will help your Facebook friends find this message!