Freedomlance Inc.

Recently, a good friend, who is an artist, called and asked for my opinion. He was getting mixed signals from a woman he met while networking. After seeing his work she invited him to a few gallery showings and expressed wanting to include his work in the near future.  For nearly four weeks they continued to get together to discuss art. During this time he said the conversation topics became more personal, but he didn't mind. He liked her. She eventually told him she was beginning to have feelings for him. They seemed to hit it off, so I'm wondering where does my opinion fit in here. Well, after he told me that she only agreed to see him on certain days, during a specific window of time I was beginning to get the picture. Her response to phone calls even had a pattern along with some other things. 

Then came the big question..."Do you think she is up to something"? My response, "This chick is full of s&#t! I can't believe you are falling for this crap! I thought you had more on the ball. Wake up man...she's trying to play you!" 

Our conversation continued with him defending himself from my criticisms. Afterward I felt bad because that is not what he asked me to do. Though, I don't like shady people, especially when they are clearly trying to get over on someone, I should have just answered the question and left it at that. I called him back the next day and apologized for the things I directed at him. I was wrong.

Leadership involves various responsibilities. Admitting being wrong ranks near the top of the list. Many times we are appointed to leadership roles that we didn't campaign for. It's not always the position we are aiming for in our career. Others look to us for guidance at times that may catch us off guard. That's okay. Being a leader doesn't mean being right all of the time. It's acknowledging when you are wrong that counts.