Over the recent holiday I had a bit of time to think back about my first job. I was a pupil in chambers. In a law firm, the hierarchy begins with the senior partner (also known as God within the law firm), junior partners, senior lawyers, junior lawyers, chief clerks, secretaries, clerks, office boys, tea lady and then the cleaning ladies. Oh, and after the tea lady comes the pupil in chambers!
I had made an error on a particular file that could have been disastrous. My partner in charge, after sorting out the mess made, called the client. I was in front of him when he said these words “An error has been made on the file. Please don’t blame my young colleague. It was my fault and I take full responsibility.”
I worked with him for four years. He was a demanding boss who pushed me really hard. But knowing that he had my back made it easier for me to focus on my work. He took full responsibility for any errors. most managers can learn from this. If you screw up, own up. Take responsibility. You will gain the respect and trust of your team.
As an entrepreneur and father of 2, I now try to make sure that I not only live this value, but also try to instill it in the people around me.
