Lessons in leadership from Djokovic's US Open departure

Late last night, tennis sensation and world no. 1 #NovakDjokovic was ejected from the US open and subsequently, defaulted. After losing a critical game in the first set to go down 5-6 on serve, he accidentally struck a ball towards a linesman, which caught her smack in the face and saw her fall to the ground. After a brief 2-minute discussion with the chair umpire and the match referee, Djokovic shook the hand of his opponent and left the court. The rules were clear, and the decision was simple. Djokovic was to be defaulted and all his championship points and prize money were to be retained by the Open.

Despite the obvious frustration, the empty stands, the medical risks, the reduced participant list resulting in the increases chances of winning this year's Open, Djokovic accepted the umpire's decision without much argument and walked off the courts graciously. Such acceptance is rare to find both in the Open and in life. The Open has seen its fair share of upsets and rage being thrown in the direction of umpires and match staff, but Djokovic's actions were a true test of character. It started with the acceptance of his mistake and led to (unquestionably) taking the responsibility of their repercussions. Of course, Djoko was apologetic and personally saw the lineswoman to her feet before he left the court.

One of the biggest mistakes that leaders make is not accepting our mistakes. One of the biggest causes for this is ego. Accepting our mistakes does not prove that we are wrong or make us small. It makes us human. And relatable. It makes us accountable for our actions both to our communities / society and to ourselves. Djoko's departure from the Open, sad as it maybe, has been a stood to be a solid example in leaders accepting and taking the responsibility for their mistakes, setting the standard and paving the way for all that may follow.