Essay on "If You are Wrong, Admit It"

Target Audience: Polytechnic Teachers and Students in Tamilnadu
Subject: English-1, II YEAR MOP, M SCHEME
Objective: Students should be able to interpret and explain a content in English. 
Question Pattern in Exam: IV. Answer any one of the following in 200 words: (1 x 10 = 10 marks)
Three questions out of 4 lessons will be given in the exam and students should answer a question in 200 words.
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Preface:
Dale Carnegie is a well-known trainer in corporate training and interpersonal skills.  “If you are wrong, Admit it" is an extract from his famous book “How to Win Friends and Influence People” Here the author gives examples to prove the benefits of admitting one’s wrong.

His Experience with a Policeman
Once the author took his dog Rex without a muzzle or leash in Forest Park.  It was against law in America.  He gave reasons to defend him - There was nobody in the park and the dog was also harmless.  The policeman got angry and warned him not to do it again.  But on another occasion, when the author let the dog run loose again, he admitted his fault. This made the policeman behave in a soft and graceful way, even to let him run the dog loose.

The Experience of Warren with an Art Editor
Warren is a commercial artist.  He was often criticised by a particular art editor even for small errors.  This time Warren applied the principle- “If you are wrong, admit it.”  He started criticising himself.  He said that he committed an unpardonable blunder.  He said that he was ashamed of himself.  This made the art editor behave psychologically the other way.  He said that it was just a slight error.  He offered even lunch and another work to do.

Harvey's Experience with his Supervisor
Harvey from New Mexico came to know of an error that he had wrongly authorized full payment to an employee on sick leave.  The employee was ready for recovery now but on installments only.  Harvey knew that his Supervisor would explode over this error. But he handled this tense situation differently and solved the problem.  He started by saying that it was his fault.  Instead of getting angry, the supervisor defended him by saying that it was the fault of personnel or accounting department.

General Lee and Picket's Charge
Picket's Charge(1863) is a part of American civil war (1861-65) that took place between northern states (unions) and southern states (confederates).  General Picket was so confident of victory but General Lee’s fault of ordering infantry resulted in failure of the war.  The enemies started attacking from behind a stone wall and 4000 Picket's men had a fall.  General Lee can say reasons such as late coming of cavalry  but he admitted  his fault and even resigned his post.

Thus the author gives examples of public, commercial, professional and war issues to prove the value of admitting one’s fault.