Admitting you were wrong can be difficult, but it turns out that it might be one of the best things you can do for your reputation.
Researchers at Tufts University’s Human Robot Interaction Laboratory found that when someone admits they were wrong, they are not seen as less competent. Instead, admitting to a mistake can make you seem smarter, more communal and friendly.
As a psychology expert, I’ve found that highly likable and successful people are often “admitters” who aren’t afraid to say three simple words: “I was wrong.”
So what do good admitters do?
1. They prioritize learning and growth. When you reframe learning as winning, you move toward understanding, rather than tallying up the times when you’ve been right or wrong. A study by psychologists Carol Dweck and Karina Schumann supports this, finding that we’re more likely to take responsibility for our mistakes if we believe we have the power to change our behavior.
2. They ask for more information. When someone tells you that you’re wrong, instead of immediately jumping to the defensive, get curious about why they’re saying that to you. Ask for more information and really listen to what they have to say. This makes you more receptive to feedback and the other person’s thoughts, challenging your own sense of certainty.
3. They remember that humans are wired for forgiveness. When we admit that we’re wrong, not only will we be seen as stronger and friendlier, but we’ll also be forgiven for our transgressions. A study by psychologist Molly Crockett revealed that humans have a basic predisposition toward forgiving others, even strangers.
In the end, admitting our mistakes opens up the opportunity to preserve or repair the most important connections in our lives.
Scott Shigeoka is a curiosity and psychology expert and author of “Seek: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change the World.” He has translated research into strategies that promote well-being and connected relationships around the globe, including at the UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center and through his courses at the University of Texas at Austin. Follow him on Instagram and LinkedIn.
Don’t miss:
Get CNBC’s free Warren Buffett Guide to Investing, which distills the billionaire’s No. 1 best piece of advice for regular investors, do’s and don’ts, and three key investing principles into a clear and simple guidebook.
I have over 10 years of experience in the cryptocurrency industry and I have been on the list of the top authors on LinkedIn for the past 5 years. I have a wealth of knowledge to share with my readers, and my goal is to help them navigate the ever-changing world of cryptocurrencies.
