Too many organizations of all types (companies, churches, non-profits, etc) are unwittingly, or perhaps even “wittingly,” cultivating a pretty crappy culture within which their teams and people are required to function. And I say hey, if you’re going to create such an environment, at least go all out. (I say this with my tongue planted firmly in my cheek.)
Here’s one thing you can do to ensure your organization’s culture is crappy. If you’re in leadership, cover all of your mistakes. I mean that. Every last one of them. It’s crucial to your survival that the team or organization you lead thinks you’re flawless. I mean, think of the consequences if anyone within your organization got wind of the fact that you’re a human being that makes an occasional mistake. That would border on cataclysmic, would it not?
So whatever takes, don’t admit mistakes, don’t be vulnerable and open with your team, group, or organization, and no matter what you do, do not–I repeat, do not–let anyone know you make mistakes. There’s always someone else to blame, after all.
