A classic failure of the human mind is the inability for us to accurately and objectively judge ourselves. Case in point, the classic survey (which I couldn't find online) that says that a majority (something like 80%) of people believe themselves to be above average drivers. That, good friends, is statistically impossible. The average of all drivers would of course be the average, so a significant percentage of people failed to accurately assess themselves. Of course, it's hard to know what the survey asked and how one might measure "averageness" but in any case, that's just an example.
We recently finished the annual review process at my company. Each staffer was asked to complete a self evaluation form. The form included a ranking of their own performance using three scores: Needs Improvement, Valued Performer and Exceptional. Unsurprisingly, about 80% of all folks ranked themselves as Exceptional. While this is statistically possible, I suppose, we have an internal metric that about 20% of staff may be considered exceptional, 70% are valued and 10% will need improvement.
Whether these numbers are right or wrong for any particular company, I cannot say, but overall, I would say that they hold true for most places. So why the gap? We just aren't good at seeing ourselves through others' eyes. My old boss used to hand me a mirror and tell me to ask myself if I was part of the problem or the solution. He felt that there a plenty of times where introspection is necessary.
So, grab yourself a mirror next time something goes awry and ask those tough questions about what you could have done differently. This is one case where you are allowed to judge someone. Yourself.
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