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It is important to admit your mistakes, and to do so…

“It is important to admit your mistakes, and to do so before you are charged with them. Many clients are surrounded by buckpassers who make a fine art of blaming the agency for their own failures. I seize the earliest opportunity to assume the blame.” quote by David Ogilvy
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“It is important to admit your mistakes, and to do so before you are charged with them. Many clients are surrounded by buckpassers who make a fine art of blaming the agency for their own failures. I seize the earliest opportunity to assume the blame.”

David Ogilvy

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Owning mistakes early builds trust and prevents blame-shifting by clients.

In simple terms: Admit errors before others do.

Key Takeaway

Take responsibility early to protect reputation.

Themes

integrity leadership client relations

Mood

cautious determined

Type

advice leadership

When to use this quote

  • advertising agencies
  • consulting
  • project management

Key Concepts

accountability trust building

Questions to Reflect On

  • What systems encourage early error reporting?
  • How do you handle persistent blame culture?
A Different Perspective

Clients may still blame despite honesty.

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