Be a Leader Interactions

How to be a leader:
1. Principle 3: Talk about your own mistakes first:
The first of the principles I applied was with a new co-worker. At the store I work at, we buy sporting equipment from people. Over this past weekend, a new employee, who’s only been with us for a few weeks, tried to buy some old lacrosse gloves from a neighbor of his. After the buy was complete, I was helping my co-worker hang up the equipment when I noticed a large hole in the palm of the glove, which meant we couldn’t buy the glove. To be honest, I wanted to directly draw attention to his mistake because this was an easy thing to avoid if he had been more careful. Instead I decided to use the principle from HTMFAIP and talked with my co-worker about a similar mistake I made when I was new. I used myself as an example to show him that it’s okay to be wrong sometimes. As embarrassing as it was to call myself out like that, it was worth it because it created a learning opportunity for my co-worker. I could tell he appreciated that I took the time to talk with him calmly, rather than harshly scolding him.
2. Principle 1: If you must find fault, this is the way to begin:
The second principle I applied was a few days ago at a local convenient store. I often go to a 7-11 on my way to work to get a bottle of water. I usually go to the same store, which has allowed me to become acquaintances with the cashier. Well, on this particular day, I noticed the water I usually got was on sale; buy 2 for $5. I picked up two bottles and got in line to check out. When I got to the front, the cashier charged me the regular price, which was more expensive than the special. Immediately, I wanted to give him attitude for the mistake, partially because I was already having a bad day, but instead I consciously applied the principles. I started by using his name and saying how polite he is and that I know customers appreciate small gestures like that. After I gave him the compliment, I corrected him on his mistake. To my delight, he didn’t get an attitude with me for correcting him, but instead thanked me for pointing it out and that he didn’t realize the water was on sale. This interaction is clear evidence that the principles from HTWFAIP are working.