--- title: Project U. Blog | credibility description: credibility | Tips and insights for managing your career and your wellness --- Call me at 781-690-2277 [![The Projectcoach](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/hs-fs/file-13948886-png/images/header_4_920x150.png)](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/) # Project U. Blog ## [How Leaders Can Benefit From Their Mistakes](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/bid/77725/How-Leaders-Can-Benefit-From-Their-Mistakes) Posted by [Catherine Saar](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/author/catherine-saar) on Thu, Aug 09, 2012 @ 10:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Face it. Sometimes things go wrong, even if you are a conscientious, competent leader.  A blog post by [Art Petty](http://artpetty.com/2012/08/07/new-leader-tuesday-a-mistake-is-a-horrible-thing-to-waste/) on how leaders can benefit from their mistakes resonated with me so much that I decided to share it with you, especially since many of my bosses over the years counseled me not to ever apologize or explain, as doing so shows weakness. That did not appear to be good advice. What I found instead was that when I quickly owned up to an issue, shared what happened and how to fix it, my associates were appreciative and understanding.  This practice actually built trust, strengthened my working relationships and encouraged openness. By modeling that mistakes are not the end of the world, it allowed others the freedom to address issues openly when they arose. Petty’s post captures this notion beautifully when he writes, “don’t dwell on or attempt to hide your mistakes.  Instead, confront them head-on, help everyone learn from them, and move on.”  According to Petty, not only should you clearly admit that you made a mistake, in addition, don’t make up an excuse.  He also states that you shouldn’t blame anyone else on your team when an error happens on your watch: “Take your medicine and use your team member’s mistake as a developmental opportunity.” Here are the two additional recommendations from the post that I support wholeheartedly:  “Share where you went wrong**.** If your gaffe was an interpersonal one, admit to the other party that you recognize what you did wrong. For example, *“I shouldn’t have jumped to a conclusion before I heard all of the facts.” * If the mistake related to a decision, assess where you might have gone wrong and share the mistake. *“I framed this problem wrong. I let emotions get in the way of a clear view to the situation, and I made a rash decision.” * This is powerful credibility building juice and a teaching moment for everyone involved.” And: **“**Apologize. The fine art of the workplace apology is often ignored in the workplace. Instead of a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of character and strength.” I love that.  As I mentioned, I didn’t often hear this perspective articulated in the business world, and I surely appreciate hearing it now. Thanks Art! 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/bid/77725/How-Leaders-Can-Benefit-From-Their-Mistakes#comments-listing) Tags: [strength](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/topic/strength), [modeling](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/topic/modeling), [blame](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/topic/blame), [character](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/topic/character), [business](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/topic/business), [appreciate](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/topic/appreciate), [leader](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/topic/leader), [opportunity](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/topic/opportunity), [decision](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/topic/decision), [benefit](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/topic/benefit), [apologize](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/topic/apologize), [mistakes](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/topic/mistakes), [emotions](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/topic/emotions), [perspective](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/topic/perspective), [trust](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/topic/trust), [relationships](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/topic/relationships), [weakness](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/topic/weakness), [openness](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/topic/openness), [workplace](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/topic/workplace), [understaning](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/topic/understaning), [freedom](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/topic/freedom), [confront](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/topic/confront), [credibility](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/topic/credibility) [All Posts](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/all) ### Subscribe via E-mail ### Latest Posts ### Follow Me ### Posts by Month - [February 2019 (1)](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/archive/2019/02) - [January 2019 (1)](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/archive/2019/01) - [June 2018 (1)](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/archive/2018/06) - [February 2018 (1)](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/archive/2018/02) - [October 2017 (1)](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/archive/2017/10) - [August 2017 (1)](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/archive/2017/08) - [January 2015 (1)](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/archive/2015/01) - [March 2014 (1)](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/archive/2014/03) - [December 2013 (1)](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/archive/2013/12) - [November 2013 (1)](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/archive/2013/11) - [August 2013 (2)](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/archive/2013/08) - [July 2013 (1)](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/archive/2013/07) - [June 2013 (1)](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/archive/2013/06) - [April 2013 (1)](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/archive/2013/04) - [February 2013 (2)](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/archive/2013/02) - [January 2013 (1)](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/archive/2013/01) - [December 2012 (4)](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/archive/2012/12) - [November 2012 (2)](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/archive/2012/11) - [October 2012 (1)](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/archive/2012/10) - [September 2012 (1)](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/archive/2012/09) - [August 2012 (1)](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/archive/2012/08) - [July 2012 (2)](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/archive/2012/07) - [May 2012 (2)](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/archive/2012/05) - [April 2012 (2)](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/archive/2012/04) - [March 2012 (2)](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/archive/2012/03) - [February 2012 (2)](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/archive/2012/02) - [January 2012 (1)](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/archive/2012/01) - [December 2011 (2)](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/archive/2011/12) - [November 2011 (3)](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/archive/2011/11) - [October 2011 (3)](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/archive/2011/10) - [September 2011 (3)](https://www.theprojectcoach.com/blog/archive/2011/09)