Thank you to training consultant Dan Bobinski, whose ongoing stream of penetrating, down-to-the bone observations and insights on corporate and work life have long earned my respect (See Dan’s top-class blog), for the following intriguing parable:

An adult, the story goes, was walking with two small children in a nature park. Before they knew it, their path was next to a steep cliff. “Stay close to me and away from the edge or you may fall,” said the adult.

One child stayed very close to the adult – but along the steepest part of the hill, the other child strayed too close to the edge and fell over.

By chance, the poor kid who hadn’t been been taking instructions too seriously managed to grab hold of a frail bush that was about to give way. The adult looked back and two options came to mind:

1. Say, “I told you so!” and then keep walking, or
2. Reach down and help the child up.

Now, this story isn’t real. Obviously. But it illustrates an important concept, says Dan.

When co-workers make mistakes, do you berate and ridicule them, or do you help them up?

If the former, shame on you. And the more fool you are.

You, or your organization, is the biggest loser in the long run.