If you’ve followed this blog for more than a few months, y0u probably know I’m a huge This American Life fan. I think more people should listen to the radio show, the podcast, and/or download their incredible app. The show often makes me laugh, makes me think, sometimes makes me cry, and even sometimes challenges long-held views.
I love the show, but it still hasn’t quite hit mainstream status. Many like it, but I still know many who haven’t heard of it.
So I was surprised when This American Life hit mainstream news twice this year. First as a part of a deeper examination into the working conditions at Apple manufacturers. They broadcast an incredible episode in January focusing on one man’s account of witnessing the horrible conditions. The initial broadcast and subsequent downloads made it the most popular show in This American Life history. The New York Times soon did a longer piece on Apple in China, and Apple even ended up releasing its own statement in reply to all of the allegations. I felt like I was on the cusp of something big. I first heard the show, and then saw all the dominos fall (even if it was about one of my favorite companies).
And then there was this weekend. This American Life hit the news again. This time to apologize and to retract the January episode. This American Life realized their source falsified information and omitted key details. He was wrong.
But This American Life was the one who fell on the sword.
If you have a few moments, listen to the opening of the March 16th broadcast. It’s an amazing apology. Ira Glass, the host, spends a few moments talking about how they failed. How they failed to live up to the standards of public radio. How they should have done better.
Yes, their source lied, but Ira Glass and the crew states again, that they should have researched more and not rushed the show.
It’s interesting in this day and age to hear something so honest, and…
…truly apologetic.
Often, we apologize with conditions and excuses. We want to place at least part of the blame on some circumstance or someone else. Rarely does someone take the full blame.
Since the March 16th episode aired, it’s been interesting to see some of the reaction. This American Life has emerged a little bruised, but still respected. The source, who fails to take ownership during the episode for the lies, remains under scrutiny.
Honesty is refreshing, especially when it comes in the form of a truly heartfelt apology.
We need to be real in our relationships, and in our organizations. It makes a world of difference.