Handling Screw-ups with Courage and Clarity

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No one is immune to screw-ups, and I’m not talking about minor workplace missteps. I’m referring to significant, organization-shaking mistakes. They happen to even the most seasoned leaders, and how you respond can define your leadership and the future of your team or organization. Whether you’re a CEO, bandleader, or parent, screw-ups come with the territory, and your actions afterward are key to recovery.

Let’s take a closer look at how effective leaders navigate these moments of crisis.

Face the Music – Even When You’re Not Directly at Fault

One of the toughest pills to swallow is that, as a leader, you often represent the entire organization, even when you aren’t directly responsible for the mistake. Take the example of Frank Blake, former CEO of Home Depot. During the infamous credit card breach, he stepped up, admitted fault, and immediately communicated a plan of action to the public. He didn’t shy away from the enormity of the problem, and in doing so, he earned trust.

Being the leader during a crisis means resisting the urge to run away from the issue, despite how uncomfortable it feels. You’ll naturally want to get away from the “stank,” but embracing it shows strength. Address the mistake head-on, admit the problem, and follow up with a clear and actionable plan. Accountability is the foundation of leadership credibility.

Invite the Right Voices

When disaster strikes, everyone has an opinion. You’ll be surrounded by people offering conflicting advice, and the temptation to cover up or deflect blame will arise. But here's where clarity matters: invite the voices that support your courageous self, and banish those that whisper about shortcuts or deceit.

In moments of crisis, you don’t need yes-men or fearful advisors urging you to hide the truth. Surround yourself with people who support transparency and integrity. As I often tell leaders I work with, problems like these don’t age like wine—they get worse with time. The sooner you address them honestly, the quicker you can recover.

Ask Yourself: What Would You Tell a Friend?

When faced with a crisis, it’s easy to get lost in the fog of emotions, fear, and uncertainty. A great way to center yourself is to ask: what advice would I give a close friend in the same situation? Chances are, you’d encourage them to own up, act fast, and make amends.

Use that same wisdom for yourself. This question helps leaders detach from the overwhelming emotions tied to the mistake and view the situation from a clearer, more objective standpoint. After all, leadership isn’t just about making the right decisions—it’s about learning to navigate the emotional turbulence that comes with them.

Curiosity Over Judgment

When a screw-up occurs, it’s natural to want to point fingers or jump to conclusions about what went wrong. But take a breath. Start with curiosity instead of judgment. Ask questions before jumping to conclusions.

Curiosity gives you room to understand the situation better and build stronger relationships along the way. By focusing on understanding rather than immediate judgment, you create a culture of trust and open dialogue. This approach will not only help you navigate the current crisis but also strengthen your team’s resilience for future challenges.

Adapt and Learn – Even When It’s Painful

Leadership is about adaptation. When mistakes happen, they offer an invaluable opportunity to grow. Encourage your team (and yourself) to treat these moments as learning experiences, not sources of shame. Celebrate resourcefulness and creativity in the face of adversity.

Adaptation may not always come naturally or easily, but those who view mistakes as fertile ground for innovation are often the ones who find success in the long term.

Be Ready for Mistakes – and Expect Them

Every leader should anticipate that mistakes will happen, but that expectation is often hidden behind a veneer of perfectionism. The truth is, expecting and planning for mistakes allows you to handle them with grace when they arise. Leaders who treat mistakes as a learning opportunity foster a culture of improvement rather than fear.

Instead of hiding mistakes, lean into them. As I often remind my clients, being honest about errors is a powerful tool for growth. At a company I worked with, we even gave out “belly flop” awards for the most spectacular mistakes. The result? We fostered a sense of camaraderie, learned from our errors, and encouraged a culture of continuous improvement.

Embrace the Mess

Leadership isn’t about perfection. It’s about how you respond to imperfection. When the inevitable screw-up happens, step into the storm with honesty, curiosity, and a willingness to adapt. By doing so, you’ll not only weather the crisis but emerge stronger on the other side.

So, next time you face a major mistake, take a deep breath, ask yourself what advice you’d give a friend, and invite those who support your courageous self into the room. You’ve got this—every great leader does.

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