ARE YOU WILLING TO BE WRONG?
Dr. Debi Gilmore LMFT
Recently, I was in a conversation with a group of friends, listening to a very heated interaction. I was a bit worried about how they would resolve their differences and wished somehow I could change the topic to save them embarrassment. I don’t recall the topic of debate, but one of the participants said, “Are you willing to be wrong?” Hmmm… that was a bold question! What will the other person say? How will they react to such a strong confrontation?
I was impressed by what the respondent said. “Yes, I may be wrong. What am I missing here.” I am certain the first speaker was surprised (I certainly was!) and the conversation quickly softened, collaboration ensued, and both parties left the experience without hard feelings or scars of contention. I was impressed by both parties, and my respect for both of them skyrocketed! Wow…
A question we would all benefit from considering is, “Am I willing to be wrong? Am I willing to listen to the other’s point of view? Am I willing to defer being right at times, and allow the other person to teach me?” We live in a world that encourages strength of character, a world that praises abundant knowledge and sophisticated confidence, and believes that meekness is actually a sign of weakness. Assertiveness and strong leadership are emphasized as traits necessary to achieve respect and ultimate success. The louder we are, the more attention we get. However, if we misunderstand what it means to be assertive and strong, and allow aggression and force to govern our daily interactions, they can cloud our ability to cultivate humility, flexibility, stronger and heathier relationships, and achieve personal growth.
The greatest of leaders are those who prioritize listening over lecturing. They step into the trenches of those they lead and demonstrate empathy, compassion, and a teachable heart. The most powerful leaders remain open to learning new skills and perspectives, which helps them adapt to change and overcome challenges more effectively.
Being teachable requires acknowledging you don’t know everything, and builds deeper connections because others feel safe around those who are humble and willing to learn. As we listen more, assume less, and are open to feedback, we strengthen trust and communication with those who matter most. A teachable mindset helps us bounce back from failure by seeing our own mistakes as learning opportunities, not dead ends.
Benefits of Being Childlike (Not Childish)
Over time, as we cultivate the ability to “be wrong” sometimes, to be teachable and childlike, and admit we can’t possibly know everything there is to know, we are gifted with greater wisdom, insight, discernment, and understanding of other people and life in general.
Childlike people stay curious about life and others, leading to creativity, joy, and innovation. They tend to be more playful, imaginative, and creative. They appreciate the little things and find beauty in the ordinary—something many adults forget. Being childlike often means having a greater capacity to trust others and be emotionally open, which carves into our hearts the ability to achieve deeper intimacy. This attitude keeps your inner world vibrant, supports mental health, and brings fun into everyday life.
Maybe the greatest benefit of humility and a childlike attitude is strengthened faith and spiritual depth. Many spiritual traditions and religious practices value a childlike heart consider it essential for depth of faith—a heart that is open, trusting, and full of awe. Overall, being teachable and childlike makes you more grounded and more alive—both wise and open, strong and soft. It takes courage and a strong sense of self-worth to be able to say, “Maybe I am wrong. Help me understand your point of view.” The respect others will have for you as they witness and are influenced by your humility is the greatest reward of all.
