In my opinion it is rather simple: We're scared.
Mostly the fear is a perception that someone else will think that we aren't good enough to do the job. Or we're afraid of a loss of face. Or in some instances possibly disciplinary action. Mostly though, it is the whole trust issue and that if we do admit to this error, will our managers be able to trust us again?
So because of this perception we shift blame, we procrastinate, we defend, we even lie in the most extreme of cases.
How can we move forward?
Definitely by doing some inner-work. Self-knowledge, possibly through coaching, emotional intelligence training and some reading of great books. There are so many that it is difficult to begin listing them, suffice to say, check out the psychology and/or self-help section at your closest book store and start with the one that speaks to you. If the pupil is ready, the teacher will surface.
Debbie Engelbrecht is the CEO of Staff Training, a soft skills training company offering more than 40 short courses.