The simple answer is to stop digging. Why can’t people stop digging when they are in a hole? Mostly the answer is because of an EGO of self. Ego is like fog in the air; you struggle to see rationality.
I am careful to qualify EGO in terms of ego of self, which translates into I e.g. I did this, I did that etc. Ego is healthy and important if in the context of ego for interpersonal interactions, which translates into WE e.g., we did this together.
I have witnessed in both personal situations and in business the destruction caused by EGO of self, translating into taking positions. When you take positions, you close yourself to understanding others and from rationality. You are unable to value differences. A mistake of heart.
Digging your hole is my derivative of digging your own grave. The same meaning but a little softer. When egos are attached to positions then irrespective of facts and new evidence such people cannot make a shift. They keep digging, their hole keeps getting deeper.
It is important to understand why people have a personal EGO to be able to mentor them. I am not referring to persons with personality disorders because I am not qualified to give an opinion or help in such cases.
Mostly my experiences with persons who have a high ego of self, they have low self-esteem, low inner security. Like bullies at school, often big guys who would disguise their deep inner securities through bulling others. It becomes subconscious.
The real detriment of ego, of taking positions, is the inability to move into creative cooperation. Dividing and not building teams. By taking positions you close yourself to synergistic outcomes.
Great leaders give the credit of success to others in the team and take personal responsibility to fix failures. People with an ego for self, a low self-esteem, find it extremely difficult to give credit and take blame, impacting organizational trust.
Personally, it is easy for me to admit mistakes because of my unchanging core of correct values and principles that are my source of security, guidance, and wisdom; and a higher purpose of continuous improvement. An ego for the team success.
My strong opinions were often a reason why some considered me stubborn, but never taking positions. Because of trust others understood that if my opinions were inaccurate that it was a mistake of my judgment and not of heart, and that I would absolutely change position when convinced with facts.
Think Bigg-r 