One day Albert Einstein wrote on the blackboard:

9 x 1 = 9

9 x 2 = 18

9 x 3 = 27

9 x 4 = 36

9 x 5 = 45

9 x 6 = 54

9 x 7 = 63

9 x 8 = 72

9 x 9 = 81

9 x 10 = 91

Once the students realized the teacher made a mistake, they mocked him and made fun of him because he had made a mistake, as the correct answer for 9 x10 is 90.

Albert Einstein waited for everyone to settle down and said:

“Despite me answering the first nine questions correctly, no one congratulated me. Instead, when I got one wrong, everyone started laughing. Everyone became critical. Everyone was very quick to point out my mistake instead of celebrating the other 9 equations I wrote down correctly.

This means that despite someone being very successful, society will only notice the smallest mistake and make fun of it.”

Do you behave in this way?

Are you quick to ignore great accomplishments and hard work but instead “pounce” on someone when they make an unintentional error?

No matter what your situation, with your team members at work, with your kids, with your spouse, your friends, the team you coach, the number one priority should be the connection with someone, the relationship. If someone makes a simple mistake like Einstein did above, show grace. Exhibit love.

If someone made the mistake because they truly didn’t know any better. Become the teacher they need. Ask questions about why they made the mistake. Attack the situation with curiosity and empathy, not with rolled eyes and sarcasm.

Not to sound cliche, but treat the situation how you would want the situation to be treated if you made the honest mistake