Owning Up and Preserving Trust: Admitting Mistakes as a Leader

We've all been there—making a call that seemed right at the moment but later turned out to be a mistake. As a leader, admitting you're wrong can be daunting. You worry about how it might affect your credibility and the trust you've built with your team. But here's the thing: admitting mistakes can actually strengthen your leadership if done right. Let's chat about how to own up to your errors and maintain the trust you've worked so hard to earn.

Embrace Vulnerability

First things first, you need to embrace vulnerability. It’s natural to want to appear infallible, but showing that you’re human can create a deeper connection with your team. Brené Brown, a researcher known for her work on vulnerability, points out that vulnerability is not a weakness but rather a strength that fosters trust and intimacy (Brown, 2018). By admitting your mistake, you’re telling your team that it’s okay to make errors as long as we learn from them.

Be Timely and Transparent

Timing is crucial when admitting a mistake. The longer you wait, the worse it can get. Approach your team as soon as you realize the error. Transparency is key here. Explain what happened, why it happened, and what steps you’re taking to fix it. Being upfront shows integrity and accountability. According to a study by the Harvard Business Review, leaders who acknowledge their mistakes are perceived as more trustworthy and competent (Garvin & Roberto, 2005).

Take Responsibility

Own your mistake fully. Don’t shift the blame onto your team or external factors. This is where true leadership shines. Taking responsibility shows that you’re in control and committed to rectifying the situation. It’s important to say, “I was wrong,” rather than, “Mistakes were made.” This subtle shift in language makes a big difference in how your apology is received.

Focus on Solutions

While admitting the mistake is important, what you do next is even more critical. Quickly pivot to finding a solution. Involve your team in this process to show that their input is valued. This not only helps to solve the problem more effectively but also demonstrates collaborative leadership. It reassures your team that you’re proactive and focused on moving forward.

Communicate the Lessons Learned

Once you’ve worked through the mistake, take time to reflect and communicate the lessons learned. Share with your team what you’ve taken away from the experience and how it will influence future decisions. This can turn a negative situation into a valuable learning opportunity for everyone. It’s a way to reinforce that the team is growing together, and mistakes are part of that growth.

Reinforce a Culture of Trust

Building a culture where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities rather than failures can help maintain trust. Encourage your team to speak up when they see potential issues and to admit their own mistakes without fear of retribution. As a leader, modeling this behavior sets a powerful precedent. Trust is built on mutual respect and understanding, and showing empathy when others make mistakes can go a long way.

Follow Through on Your Promises

If you’ve promised to take specific actions to correct the mistake, make sure you follow through. Consistency between your words and actions is vital for maintaining trust. When your team sees that you’re committed to your promises, their trust in you will deepen. This consistency is a cornerstone of trustworthy leadership.

Seek Feedback and Reflect

Finally, don’t be afraid to seek feedback on how you handled the situation. This can be done informally or through a structured process. Ask your team how they felt about your admission and the steps you took afterward. Use this feedback to improve your leadership skills. Reflecting on your actions and being open to feedback shows that you’re committed to continuous improvement.

Wrapping Up

Admitting you were wrong as a leader is not a sign of weakness but a testament to your strength and commitment to your team. It builds a culture of trust and openness that can ultimately make your team stronger and more cohesive. Remember, it’s not about being perfect but about being honest, responsible, and focused on growth. So next time you find yourself in a position where you need to admit a mistake, embrace it as an opportunity to lead with integrity and authenticity.

Take care, and keep leading with heart.

References

Brown, B. (2018). Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. Random House.

Garvin, D. A., & Roberto, M. A. (2005). Change Through Persuasion. Harvard Business Review, 83(2), 104-112.