Mistakes By the Powerful

Good day, good people.

For devotees of the English language: Oeillade is a glance with the intention of flirting.

In Operation Downfall, a political thriller, the president of the United States was put into a honey trap unknowingly, did more than give the lady an oeillade and was recorded by an extortionist, a billionaire-defense contractor posing as the president’s friend, using a hidden camcorder. When the president did not take orders from the billionaire, he threatened him to do his bidding, and he did. Also, when the decision makers in the government would not do as he asked legally, he put them in a honey trap in his Bel Air, California home and extorted them into making the right decision and him richer.

The best way to avoid making a mistake is to engage your brain before making a decision or exercising your mouth. Tact is saying the right thing at the right moment and not saying the right thing at the right moment. Apologies are ineffective no matter how sincerely given. As long as one’s memory survives the embitterment or offense, one will never forget the event or insult. And, the apologist will be reminded relentlessly of either at every convenient moment and opportunity by the recipient of the apology and the larger the audience the better.

As an example, look at the 2012 GOP debates for current examples. There will always be someone who is waiting, wanting and willing to bring to the attention of an audience something which you did or did not do. Or, someone will bring to the attention of an audience something you said or did not say. Either one or both will be done with gusto and relish when the person wants to at the wrong moment for you, but at the right moment for the someone to cause you the maximum distress, and him or her the maximum enjoyment and reward. Accusation is remembered, accurate information is not.

Essentials of leadership are: when you make a mistake, admit it willingly and with sincerity. And, then correct it. But the mistake will remain a boomerang in eternal flight during your lifetime and until it matters not.

Humans make mistakes. We only hope they are correctible. It is what makes humans interesting, their imperfections. It would be boring if we were perfect — Stepford Humans.

Unfortunately, we also know and remember too many mistakes which are not correctible. The worst and most recent were those committed by people whom believed they were above the law. They caused the U.S. to go to war illegally in Iraq. It was the worst non-correctible mistake imaginable. It entailed the murder of our military and enemy personnel and innocent civilians.

What is your thought on making mistakes and how to handle them?

Comments and constructive criticisms with honesty, their constant companion, will always be welcome at www.danielmcneet.com