The Asoh Defense
The term Asoh Defense was coined by Jerry B. Harvey, a business management author, in his 1988 book The Abilene Paradox and Other Meditations on Management. In short, the Asoh Defense is a term for frank acceptance of blame when you are at fault. Owning up to your mistake. It is based on the idea that it is more effective to admit your mistake and take responsibility for it than to try to deny it or make excuses.
The term is based on a story about a Japanese pilot named Captain Kohei Asoh who accidentally landed his plane in the ocean in San Francisco Bay in 1968. When asked by the National Transportation Safety Board why he had landed in the bay, Asoh said, “As you Americans say, I f*cked up.“
The Asoh Defense is a powerful tool for conflict resolution and for building trust. When someone admits their mistake, it shows that they are willing to take responsibility for their actions. This can help to defuse the situation and to move forward.
Relation to Radical Candor
Radical candor is a communication style that is both honest and kind. It is based on the idea that it is important to be direct and honest with people, but also to do so in a way that is respectful and compassionate.
The Asoh Defense can be seen as a form of Radical Candor. When you use the Asoh Defense, you are being honest and direct about your mistake, but you are also being respectful and compassionate. You are not making excuses or blaming others. You are simply admitting your mistake and taking responsibility for it.
Radical Candor can be a difficult communication style to master, but it can be very effective in building trust and resolving conflict. When you are able to be both honest and kind, you create a safe space for people to be open and honest with you. This can lead to better communication and problem-solving.
Examples of the Asoh Defense
- A manager is late for a meeting and blames it on traffic.
The Asoh Defense would be for the manager to say: “I am sorry I am late. I know it is my responsibility to be on time, and I should have planned better.“ - A team member makes a mistake on a project.
The Asoh Defense would be for the team member to say: “I made a mistake. I am sorry for the impact it had on the project. I will do my best to make sure it does not happen again.“ - A couple is arguing about who is to blame for a fight. The Asoh Defense would be for one partner to say: “I am sorry for my part in the argument. I know I could have handled it better.”
Examples of the Asoh Defense in large public cases
- In 2017, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg admitted that the company had made mistakes in how it handled user data. He apologized for the company’s role in the Cambridge Analytica scandal and said that Facebook would do better to protect user privacy.
- In 2018, Uber CEO Travis Kalanick resigned after admitting to a series of mistakes, including creating a toxic work environment and failing to address sexual harassment allegations.
- In 2018, Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg admitted that the company had made mistakes in the design of the 737 MAX airplane. He apologized for the crashes of two 737 MAX airplanes and said that Boeing would take steps to make the aircraft safer.
- In 2019, Wells Fargo CEO Tim Sloan resigned after admitting that the bank had engaged in widespread fraudulent activity.
- In 2020, Johnson & Johnson CEO Alex Gorsky apologized for the company’s role in the opioid crisis.
- In 2022, Johnson & Johnson CEO Joaquin Duato apologized for the company’s role in the talcum powder cancer scandal. He said that Johnson & Johnson had failed to adequately warn consumers about the risks of talcum powder and that the company would take steps to make sure that this does not happen again.
The Asoh Defense is not always easy to do, but it is a powerful tool for conflict resolution and for building trust. Admitting one’s mistake shows that they are accountable for their actions. This can help to de-escalate the situation and move forward.
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