Handling Mistakes as a Leader

As leaders, we are going to make mistakes.

Big and small.

With our:

Employees
Peers
Clients
Leaders
Family
Friends

We’re human. And not perfect.

Yet, even the best leaders can fall victim to avoiding two words that can change the course of how that mistake goes.

“I’m Sorry”

Why? Because they have:

Fear of Vulnerability: Leaders may fear that admitting a mistake and apologizing will make them appear weak or undermine their authority.
Ego and Pride: A deep-seated need to protect their self-image and avoid being seen as flawed or imperfect.
Lack of Self-Awareness: Without this awareness, they may not feel the need to apologize or be unaware of the importance of taking responsibility for their mistakes.
Perceived Consequences: Fear potential repercussions or negative consequences that could arise from admitting fault.

When in all reality, apologizing demonstrates:

*** Acknowledging Responsibility: It shows humility and a recognition of their role in the situation.
*** Building Trust and Respect: Fostering an environment of psychological safety where team members feel comfortable expressing their concerns.
*** Accountability: Leaders demonstrate that everyone, regardless of their position, is accountable for their actions. This sets the expectation that accountability is valued and that mistakes are opportunities for growth and learning.
*** Strengthening Relationships: A genuine apology opens the door for constructive dialogue and can lead to reconciliation and improved relationships.
*** Encouraging a Culture of Openness: Employees feel safe to share their concerns and ideas without fear of retribution.
*** Promoting Learning and Growth: Demonstrating a willingness to learn and change, leaders set an example for continuous learning and development within the team.
*** Reducing Tension and Conflict: An apology can help diffuse tension and resolve conflicts more effectively. It shows a genuine desire to address any negative consequences of one's actions and work towards a resolution.

Apologizing alone is the first step.

The next step is to rectify the situation and demonstrate a genuine effort to learn from their mistakes.

Model not only what they are saying, but the actions behind it.

What do you do when you make a mistake?