6
Decisions to Save Face

Sometimes we find ourselves in situations where we are tempted to make a decision that affects others because we made a mistake, and are trying to make up it. We are trying to “save face,” saving our personal reputation from damage.

If this is the only reason for making the decision, it is a bad one. Decisions should be made for the good of the organization and its members, not to help one manager save his or her reputation from damage.

If you find yourself thinking about whether to do something or not, solely for the purposes of making up for—or covering for—a previous mistake, don’t do it. Stop at that point. If you’ve screwed up, take your lumps and move on. There will be other times to shine.