Hi! Managers: 'Stay for the right and admit what is wrong'

A boss is not always right about everything. Hence, it is risky for the company if everyone becomes a “yes man” for whatever his boss says. When you disagree with your boss, you must have the confidence to express your ideas when the time is right.
One of my Japanese bosses used to tell me decades ago that he was willing to debate me with different ideas even if it would take three hours to do so as long as I was logical and did not shed a tear. He said everyone in the company was treated equally as professionals without sexual discrimination, so “tears”, which seemed to highlight femininity, were not allowed in business arguments. He also told me that in case I was unable to convince him during the debate at the company but still believed that I was right, I should bring my idea up for discussion with him again on the following day. He taught me to firmly stand up for the right without fear.
All through my career, I have used his advice in holding on to what I believe is right for the company even if I have to be against my boss’s ideas from time to time. My colleagues also follow suit. They have been encouraged to reasonably defend their ideas. If the conclusion is reached, every member in the team will be responsible for the actual implementation. Everyone will take credit for good outcomes together and no individual will be redirected blame when something goes wrong but all team members will.
Also, I was taught to adopt a positive mindset about admitting my own mistakes and learning from them to strengthen our business operations. Some big bosses may think it is quite difficult to admit to mistakes and apologise to subordinates for fear of losing face. Nevertheless, those who can do so will gain respect from others and surely move on to better outcomes.
I once had a hot argument with my Japanese boss in the first year of my career after completing my education in Japan. I was young and so confident of myself that I used harsh words against my boss’s idea in front of others. My boss was so crushed that he yelled at me and pounded the meeting table before leaving the room. After returning home, I told my father what took place at my office. He said it was inappropriate for me to cite different nationalities to rationalise my argument.
I, then, planned to submit my resignation letter the next day. As soon as I reached the office, my boss called me and told me to go ahead with my idea. He also apologised for what he had done the day before. He stated that he had thought it over and realised I was right. I was speechless at that moment. He has won my heart and loyalty since then as he showed me what a good boss really was. My co-workers of all ages know this story well and we are following his footsteps in turning our mistakes into opportunities to strengthen both our relationships and business operations.
I hope what I told that business tycoon will serve as tips for some managers as well.

Panatda Chennavasin is the vice president for Corporate Strategies and Corporate Relations of Tri Petch Isuzu Sales as well as the senior vice president for Overseas Marketing of Isuzu Operations (Thailand). Her column is published every third Wednesday of the month.