I think this follows a general rule I have found in my professional life.... people react WAY more forgiving when you admit a fuckup than you think they will before you admit it. It is amazing how quickly people want to forgive you and help when you admit failure openly and without excuse.
>>cortes+(OP)
Exactly this. I have a coworker who I used to like personally, even though I had a lot of problems with his actual work. But, he would never own up to making any mistakes, and now no one likes him personally or professionally.