If you start by exposing someone else’s mistake, you set yourself above them. They feel judged, not helped.
Begin with yourself. Mention a similar error you’ve made—misjudgment, oversight, poor timing. This lowers the status tension and makes correction feel human.
It also signals fairness. You’re not pretending you’re flawless while demanding improvement from them. You’re showing that accountability applies to everyone.
Once pride relaxes, feedback can land. The other person can focus on the fix instead of protecting their ego.
This isn’t about overconfessing. It’s about leading with humility so the conversation can stay constructive.
Talk about your own mistakes first, and criticism turns into coaching: “We both have blind spots. Let’s adjust this one.” Standards rise without breaking the relationship.