147
Mend Fences
If you make mistakes in dealing with people, be quick to acknowledge and correct them. For example, if someone has asked you to keep something confidential, and you let the cat out of the bag, make a beeline to that person’s office to apologize.
Do not let another minute set on that type of situation. Mistakes that erode people’s trust in you must be corrected immediately.
If the mistake is just a simple mishap or uninten tional error, take care of it at the first opportunity—which generally means finding an opportunity within the next 24 hours. Track down the person, bring the peace pipe (Idea 125), and dive right in to an apology.
Assignment
Do some relationship housecleaning. Have you made any mistakes you need to confess ...

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