You’re Wrong & That’s OK
“That’s not correct.”
“I think you’re wrong.”
“Actually, here’s another way to look at it…”
We’ve all heard these lines.
And our first reaction isn’t curiosity.
It’s a spike of shame.
Then ego kicks in.
Defense mode: Activated.
Why?
Because being told we’re wrong doesn’t just feel like a correction.
It feels like:
“You’re not smart enough.”
“You’re not credible.”
“You’re flawed.”
Our brain treats it like a personal threat.
Ego steps in. Logic steps out.
But here’s the reframe:
Being wrong is not a verdict on your worth. It’s a signal for growth.
The most brilliant minds in history, Socrates, Cicero, and Marcus Aurelius, welcomed being proven wrong.
Because
Truth > Pride.
Progress only happens when we’re willing to change our minds based on new information.
Think of beliefs like software.
Bugs get patched. Performance improves.
You don’t shame your phone for needing an update.
You hit “Install” and move on.
Why treat your mind any differently?
So next time someone challenges you:
- Don’t flinch. Pause.
- Separate “the idea is flawed” from “I am flawed.”
- Look for the upgrade. Ask: “What does this teach me?”
It's OK to be wrong.
What's not OK? Staying wrong just to feel right.
Leaders take note:
The ability to admit you’re wrong publicly, quickly, and without ego isn’t a weakness.
It’s a competitive advantage.
It creates psychological safety.
It models intellectual honesty.
It builds a team culture where people feel safe to speak up, experiment, and grow.
And that’s the real win.
When was the last time being wrong helped you grow?
Or
Did Ego win that round?