A British teenager who was found dehydrated and freezing after 12 wintry days lost in Australia’s wilderness said he wrote farewell notes to his family and expected to die of starvation. Jamie Neale, 19, told Australia’s “60 Minutes” television program Sunday that he was “a total idiot” to venture unprepared into the Blue Mountains, 60 miles west of Sydney. (Source: Associated Press – Australia July 19).
What I love about this story and the quote is the authenticity of teenager’s remark. He spoke the truth. It struck me as remarkable.
It seems that the rest of us are mired in a self serving game of “lawyer-speak” and political correctness. Or, maybe it is just plain old lying.
The headlines are full of athletes caught using steroids and celebrities caught stepping out on their spouses— all deny the wrong doing. Later, when the evidence proves otherwise, they admit to the wrong doing. Generally, it is done with great reluctance.
Wouldn’t it be great if they just told the truth in the first place and admitted that they made a mistake. Wouldn’t that be refreshing?
The same applies to a service provider who screws up an order. If you made a mistake, just say so. More than likely your customer will forgive you and they will be astonished by your candor.
John Bradley Jackson
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