When the Boss Males a Mistake

What should happen when a boss makes a serious mistake? When he or she makes a wild assertion—one that is unsubstantiated by facts—and, at least initially, refuses to back down? The best leaders will admit the error of their ways and move on.

All of which makes former GE CEO Jack Welch look like less than the business genius we all thought he was.

Last week Friday, just minutes after the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the nation’s unemployment rate had fallen to 7.8 percent, Welch tweeted, “Unbelievable jobs numbers . . . these Chicago guys will do anything . . . can’t debate so change numbers.” He later admitted he had no proof the Obama presidential campaign had influenced the labor report. Others reported it would be virtually impossible for any outside source to manipulate the monthly job figures.

Welch later amended his tweet by adding a question mark, but by then, a conspiracy theory had been launched, something for which Welch must be held partially responsible.

Good leaders know to collect facts before they make assertions. When they make a mistake, and we all do, they admit their error and correct their miscommunications. It’s good manners and a good leadership principle.

Postscript: I drafted this posting during an early morning flight on Monday morning. As of Tuesday, Welch no longer writes for Reuters or Fortune. If you’re starting work as an intern, summer associate or new hire, avoid making wild assertions.
 

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