The way I rebuild credibility after a professional setback includes helping the team understand that we are where we are today because of what we did yesterday, and we will be where we want to be tomorrow because of what we do today. Therefore, we must take control of our lives now. Ultimately, as long as others don't see us as leaders, they won't listen to what we say. And if others don't see us as being in control, they won't trust us. So, we must lead by example when implementing new programs and strategies, ensuring our actions align with our intentions to accelerate the process.

I'm a big fan of calling myself out and even laughing at myself when appropriate. We are human, and it is our humanity that makes us relatable and generates trust with others. Once you step into humility and call out the elephant in the room, you can move on and it's very likely nobody will even remember it happened. Or, even better, it can be a fun joke to circle back to when the tension needs to be broken. Conversely, if we ignore it and act like it didn't happen, it's natural for peoples' minds to stay stuck on it, including our own. This can have all kinds of negative consequences, such as eroding trust, distracting from the topic at hand, and even leading to more stumbles because we ourselves haven't processed it.

Sometimes we find ourselves facing challenges and stumbling is part of the process. When you find that you've stumbled in a coaching session, don't despair! Acknowledge your misstep with humility; it's the first step to rebuilding your credibility. Stand tall, refocus your intentions, and be transparent with your coachees. Share your journey—the ups and downs—because vulnerability breeds trust. Embrace the opportunity to learn and grow right alongside them. Remember, every leader faces difficulties; it’s how we respond that shapes our legacy. Reach out, listen actively, and recommit to your mission. Your authenticity and willingness to evolve will not only restore your credibility but enrich the very fabric of your leadership.

That's a great point about the importance of reengagement. Actively listening to feedback and being open to ongoing learning can help to rebuild trust and demonstrate a commitment to improvement. I also believe that it's important to take steps to prevent similar mistakes from happening in the future.

When you stumble in a leadership coaching session, acknowledge the misstep openly and take responsibility. Transparency builds trust. You need to use the situation as a teaching moment, demonstrating resilience and the ability to learn from mistakes. Follow up with actionable insights or additional resources that address the area where the session faltered. Reinforce your credibility by showing consistency in your expertise and commitment to your team’s growth. This humility and accountability will strengthen, rather than diminish, your leadership image.