Acknowledging your mistakes strengthens your ability to lead. It allows your people to appreciate that you’re human too. In fact, your vulnerability actually inspires them to work harder and be more engaged. Those who deny, gloss over, or shift blame for their mistakes simply have a hard time maintaining credibility among those they lead. There’s far too much of that during times such as now, when workplace insecurities are heightened. As strange as it may seem, coming clean about a good old-fashioned screw up is strong, insightful, and inspiring leadership.
Self-coaching Questions:
- Do you tend to admit, or avoid drawing attention to your own mistakes?
- When you consider admitting an error, does your apprehension run high enough to prevent you from doing it?
- What are the stakes involved in you making a mistake? If they are high, do you think that’s realistic?
David Peck
Executive Coach and President
Leadership Unleashed
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Note: Over 100 of these tips appear in my book: Beyond Effective: Practices in Self-aware Leadership. Click on the image of the book for more information.
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