The reason why it is so difficult for some people to admit to making a mistake is perhaps a discussion for a different setting.  However, as a business owner or a manager, you’re going to need to get over that if you want to be successful.

How is admitting that you made a mistake related to success?  Because it shows accountability.

A manager at a small business refused to take ownership for a mistake that he had made.  In his mind, everyone else was at fault, even though no one but him had any power in the situation.  Still, he railed about how everyone else was playing the victim card and yet he said that he was the true victim.  How could he be the victim when he was the one in power?  How could everyone else not be victims when they were at the mercy of his actions?  Who knows.  It must have made sense in his mind, but he was delusional.  He was the bully, everyone else was victims, end of story.

But the point of this story is that if he had only taken accountability for his actions, taken ownership for the situation, then it would not have spiraled so badly out of control. 

If you’re the one in the position of power, it’s your responsibility.  What is “it?”  Everything.  When you’re in power, everything is your responsibility, and you are accountable for everything.  You are the only one with any power to do anything about it.  So why would anyone else be responsible?  They’re not.  You are.

Take responsibility.  Take ownership.  Be accountable.  If the steering wheel is in your hands, it’s up to you to drive.