It’s OK To Admit You’re Wrong

As leaders we are often looked to for final decisions or the answers to complex challenges. The teams we are a part of lean on us for wisdom and insights. But when was the last time you were wrong?

I was moving through life with my tiny human the other day, and it hit me that they hardly admit they are wrong. As their parent I often give corrections, direct, and redirect them into a new task. Eight-year-olds are easily distracted and I am usually very compassionate and understanding. It’s hard to be a tiny human trying to navigate a world with limited autonomy.

But this day was different. I lost my parental mind, moving away from my higher self when I heard these words:
“Mommy, I was just about to do that.”

Followed by:

“I know what I am doing.”

It was clear that they did not know what they were doing as shown by the fact that they were not doing the thing I asked them to do. My intention was to give the tiny human added information so that they could make a new choice and decision. However, the response showed evidence that they were not receptive to change. That they were unable or unwilling to modify their course of action because doing so would mean they were wrong. What can I say, the ego of an eight-year-old at work.

Taking time as leaders to admit our mistakes works similarly to my interaction with the tiny human. Often when leaders make errors, there are big consequences. Ones that bruise the ego and could cause us to lose face with our teams. But here are five reasons why you should do it anyway.

Allows you to Set a Positive Example

By acknowledging your errors, you show your team that it's okay to be wrong sometimes. It sends a message that learning, and improvement are valued, creating a supportive atmosphere where everyone feels encouraged to grow.

Enables Leaders to Build Trust and Connection

Being honest about mistakes reminds your team that you're human, just like them. This creates a space where everyone feels safe to share their thoughts, even if they differ from yours. Over time, this honesty helps strengthen trust, so your team knows they can count on you, even when things don't go perfectly.

Encourages Open Conversations and Increased Communication

When you're open about your own fallibility, it sets the tone for open communication. Team members feel more comfortable expressing their concerns or different viewpoints, which ultimately leads to better decisions.

Helps to Support Learning and Progress

Admitting mistakes is the first step toward growth. It allows you to reflect on what went wrong and how to do better next time. This encourages a culture of continual learning within your team.

Strengthen Bonds between Teammates

Taking ownership of mistakes shows that you respect your team's contributions. It shows that you value their perspectives and are willing to learn from them. This can help foster stronger connections and a more united team.

Admitting a mistake is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of strength in leadership. It is a sign of inclusion. With added information comes new abilities to grow and make better decisions. So, admit when you are wrong. You will be a stronger leader on the other end.

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