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Travis Kalanick, founder of Uber, was shown in a newly surfaced video arguing with driver Fawzi Kamel over Uber’s business model and what effect it has had on the driver’s pay. Kamel tells Kalanick in the video that Uber has cost him $97,000 and that he’s now “bankrupt” because of Kalanick – something Kalanick shrugs off, telling Kamel his claims are, “********”. What I find amazing about this exchange is the apology that followed. Most apologies contain white washing, denying, blame shifting and usually are drenched in self pity. However here Mr. Kalanick not only takes full responsibility for his actions but he also proclaims his need for deep repentance and true transformation. “By now I’m sure you’ve seen the video where I treated an Uber driver disrespectfully. To say that I am ashamed is an extreme understatement. My job as your leader is to lead…and that starts with behaving in a way that makes us all proud. That is not what I did, and it cannot be explained away. It’s clear this video is a reflection of me-and the criticism we’ve received is a stark reminder that I must fundamentally change as a leader and grow up. This is the first time I’ve been willing to admit that I need leadership help and I intend to get it. I want to profoundly apologize to Fawzi, as well as the driver and rider community, and to the Uber team.” -Travis If we could all learn to be more open to our own faults, we might be more open and accepting of the shortcoming of others as well. |