SAVING FAce

In the summer of 1986, two ships collided in the Black Sea off the coast of Russia.

Hundreds of passengers died after being hurled into the icy water below.

News of the disaster got worse when an investigation revealed the cause of the accident.

It wasn’t a technical problem like radar malfunction, or even thick fog.

The cause was human stubbornness.

Each captain was aware of the other ship’s presence and both could have steered clear.

But according to news reports, neither captain wanted to give way to the other, because each was too proud to yield.

By the time they came to their senses, it was too late.

If you’re a tough-minded, strong-willed, make-it-happen kind of person, think about what you’ve just read. If by winning the argument you hurt or lose the relationship, what have you gained? If you save face but lose the relationship, you end up in the loss column.