There’s No Shame in Admitting Your Mistakes as a Company Leader
You try your best to do things right if you’re a business leader. Your reputation depends on how you guide the company to success. You take time making decisions and you make sure options are studied well first. However, despite your efforts to make everything work, there are instances when you could be wrong.
Anyone can make mistakes
Even experienced leaders can have terrible decisions too. If you did something wrong, you should be humble enough to accept it and admit that you were wrong. It might seem shameful, but there’s no shame in admitting mistakes. If anything, you should be proud that you had the courage to right your wrong.
You prevent things from getting worse
In some companies, mistakes are left unsolved. They’re buried under the rug in hopes that no one would notice. Once everything starts falling apart, people would know that something wrong took place. It’s the only time when leaders acknowledge their wrongdoings. At that point, it’s already late and the mistake couldn’t be corrected anymore. For some companies, it means bankruptcy and closure. Imagine all the employees who could lose their jobs if it happens. Don’t wait for that time to come before taking actions.
You’re making a good example
Another reason for admitting mistakes is that you’re setting a good example. You’re telling your employees that should they commit mistakes; they have to admit them too. They shouldn’t feel embarrassed about those mistakes. It also promotes a culture of honesty in the organization. You want everyone to feel comfortable in telling the truth. Don’t believe that it will only make your employees irresponsible. Even if you’re forgiving when it comes to mistakes, it doesn’t mean you will tolerate them.
Ask for help
Another sign of humility is being able to ask for help. You did something wrong, and admitting to it isn’t enough. You also have to correct the mistake and make sure it doesn’t happen again. If you ask for help from other people in your team, you can receive ideas on how to improve things. Even the idea that you’re asking for help is also a sign of humility. It also encourages cooperation within the team.
It takes courage
To admit you were wrong takes courage. Asking for apologies is even worse. However, these actions are also an indicator of your excellent leadership qualities. Not all leaders have the courage to do what you did, and you should be commended for your actions.
The last thing you should worry is what your team would think about you. If you believe that it will change their perception of you, it’s probably right. However, it’s a step in the right direction. They will view you as a better leader for everyone. If you’re worse in their eyes, you have to take steps to earn back their trust. It’s not yet too late.
Photo Attribution:
1st and featured image from https://www.unomaha.edu/college-of-information-science-and-technology/_files/images/students/pki-latinx-006.jpg
2nd image from https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/322072
