How leaders can better admit mistakes

It’s easy to call someone else out when they make a mistake at work. It’s not always as simple to admit to your team or yourself when you are the one at fault. No matter how embarrassing or difficult it may be to humble yourself, it’s critical that as a leader you demonstrate your ability to admit mistakes. Consider these three helpful tips for admitting slipups in the workplace.

Consider other perspectives

Although your misstep at work may not seem like a big deal to you, it may be affecting your team in ways you never considered. Take a minute to think about the situation from someone else’s point-of-view. Has your mistake directly affected another employee’s ability to properly do their job? How would you feel if the tables were turned?

Accept consequences

Make sure your team fully understands you are the one at fault. By admitting to your mistakes at work you are showing others you are honest, straightforward, and trustworthy. This will encourage them to communicate more openly with you. By accepting any consequences that may come your way, you are leading by example and demonstrating to your staff that no one (not even the boss) is perfect.

Apologize

Saying you are sorry for the ways you let your team down can be incredibly difficult. Many leaders may view this expression of imperfection as a sign of weakness, when in fact it shows a great deal of courage and strength. Making an apology can seem like a giant obstacle to face, but once you accept responsibility and express your regret, you and your team will be better equipped to move forward.