Isn't it intriguing the lengths some people will go to in order to avoiud any blame when something goes wrong? The dodging starts as soon as it is obvious that things are not going to go well and everyone starts pointing at everyone else and ducking.
I find that 90% of the time when something goes wrong... it is best to take heart in teh fact that it's your fault!
If you didn't get the sale it's because you didn't have a strong enough relationship, you didn't have a good enouch value proposition, or you were not able to correctly counter the points that could have been held against you.
If someone in your training course complains then it is because you didn't make them feel like they could come to you to discuss the issues first.
If people fail in teh courses you run, you have obviously failed. regardless of how smart or stupid they are.
If you get laid off, then you have made the error of not selling your value internally.
And so on... you get the picture right? Once you get beyond blaming everyone else and start to take full responsibility for things within your control (even if they are not technically your fault) then you will find that your success rate starts to soar.
One of my earliest martial arts instructors oce told me "Don't say sorry... Don't do it in the first place!"
Great advice. Instead of trying to mop up afterwards. Or trying to dodge the bullets that come flying through when something goes wrong - try to work on prevention. learn from your mistakes (And those of others) and work out how to reduce the likelihood of it ever occiurring again.
Something else happens also. Your colleagues (who are far more important than your boss) get some respect for you. You start to be seen as a "stand up" person who they can count on when things are tough.
Ah trust.. lots to be said for it isn't there.
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