What You Gonna Do: 3 Ways to Grow in Mistakes According to Bad Boys

Early on when Martin Lawrence began work on the first Bad Boys movie, Lawrence originally had another actor in mind to co-star as Mike Lowrey: Eddie Murphy. While Murphy would ultimately be way outside of the budget for the film, the consolation prize would turn out to be destiny’s decision all along as the Fresh Prince himself, Will Smith, made all of our dreams come true. Ultimately, the leading men of Martin and the Fresh Price of Bel-Air would team up to head up a project seeking it’s own twist in the buddy cop genre, mixing explosive action, comedy, and hip-hop.

Decades later, the Bad Boys movie series has yielded 4 films filled with action, humor, and camaraderie between Detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett. The Bad Boys movie series offers more than just entertainment; it provides valuable lessons in leadership, teaching us that leadership isn’t about being perfect—it’s about how you handle imperfections that truly defines your success. In this article, we’ll explore three key leadership skills—accountability, resilience, and ethical decision-making—that are highlighted through the duo’s missteps.

1. Accountability and Ownership

In Bad Boys II, there’s a moment when Marcus accidentally shoots Mike in the buttocks during a high-stakes raid. The incident is both humorous and serious, and Marcus immediately takes responsibility for his mistake. Despite the pain and frustration, Mike accepts Marcus's apology, and they continue working together to complete the mission. Accountability is crucial in leadership. When you make a mistake, owning up to it is the first step in resolving the issue and maintaining trust within your team. Marcus’s willingness to admit his error—and Mike’s ability to accept it—strengthens their partnership and highlights the importance of accountability in any professional relationship.

Practical Hack: When you make a mistake, address it head-on by admitting what happened and outlining steps to rectify it.?

This approach not only shows maturity but also builds credibility with your colleagues. Practice this by keeping a “reflection log” where you jot down mistakes you’ve made, how you took ownership of them, and what you learned. Over time, you’ll see a pattern of growth and accountability.

2. Resilience in the Face of Failure

In the original Bad Boys film, Mike and Marcus face numerous setbacks as they try to solve a major drug case. From being outgunned to having their identities mistaken, things go wrong constantly. However, they refuse to give up. They push through each challenge, learning from their mistakes and ultimately bringing the criminals to justice. Practical Resilience is a key trait in leadership. The ability to bounce back after a failure, learn from it, and continue pushing forward is what separates successful leaders from the rest. Mike and Marcus’s refusal to quit, even when everything seems to be going wrong, serves as a powerful example of this trait.

Practical Hack: Develop resilience by practicing “failure resilience drills.”?

Set aside time each week to reflect on a challenge you faced, how you responded, and how you could improve your response in the future. By regularly analyzing your reactions to setbacks, you’ll build the mental toughness needed to lead effectively, even when things don’t go as planned.

3. Ethical Decision-Making

In Bad Boys for Life, Mike Lowrey discovers that the dangerous criminal he’s been hunting—Armando Aretas—is actually his son. Years earlier, Mike had a relationship with a woman who was the wife of a drug cartel leader. When Mike learns that Armando, who was raised by the cartel leader, has become a ruthless killer, he’s devastated. This revelation forces Mike to confront his past mistakes and the unintended consequences of his actions. Faced with the urge for revenge, Mike instead chooses to reach out to his son, attempting to stop the cycle of violence. Ethical decision-making is a cornerstone of strong leadership. When confronted with the consequences of past mistakes, it’s important to choose actions that align with your principles, even if they are difficult. Mike’s decision to act ethically and try to save his son, rather than seek vengeance, reinforces the importance of maintaining integrity in leadership.

Practical Hack: When faced with a tough decision, make time to process.

In challenging circumstances, consider these questions:

(1) Does this action align with my values?

(2) What are the potential consequences for others?

(3) Will I be proud of this decision in the future?

By taking the time to reflect on these questions, you can ensure that your choices are guided by ethics and integrity, even when mistakes are made.

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Ish (LinkedIn | Instagram | Website) is a communication expert that works with students & young professionals to pay the price of success. Ish travels to schools, organizations, and conferences all across the country to help participants make memorable experiences, grow as leaders, and be work force ready contributors. He’s also an author and podcast personality, leveraging these spaces to ensure students are clear on their purpose while making memories along the way.

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