#11 Back up to solid ground… then come out first

 When problems occur, and you are in the middle of a disagreement it is easy to let ego allow you to defend a bad position to win.    In these situations, take a step back and accept your faults related to the issue.  Being the first to define what you are responsible for and why you are taking responsibility sets a tone for the rest of the conversation when it comes to solving the problem.  It will put others at ease to openly discuss the solution.  Honest people tend to understand and sympathize with taking responsibility and want to help and they will also be upfront about how they contributed to the issue as well. In the long run, defending a bad position will cause more money and reputation to be lost that just owning up to your responsibility early and moving forward with the right solution.