We’re all human, and we all make mistakes.
Some of them big, some small, and every size in between.
But really, it’s not about the mistake, it’s about what we do with it.
Do we own it? Or do we blame and deflect?
Do we learn from it? Or do we keep repeating the same mistake?
Do we grow from it and move forward? Or do we let it define us and keep us trapped?
Owning our mistakes, learning from them, growing through developing our self-awareness and understanding of our impact on others, and then moving forward with the willingness and determination to apply what we’ve learned is an important aspect of our personal leadership.
Of course, at times, blame, stonewalling, gaslighting, deflection and evasion can seem so much easier in the moment. We’ve all been, at some stage, on the receiving end of these sorts of behaviours.
And we know how it feels: frustrating, hurtful, confusing, unworthy…
And we’ve all, at times, been the one blaming someone or something else, gaslighting someone, avoiding the consequences, deflecting from or evading what we said or did, tried to embellish what happened or played it down.
And so we know how that feels too: panicked, embarrassed, exposed, insecure, anxious…
If you’re in a position where you lead others, if you aren’t prepared to do the work on yourself, and develop and grow your own personal leadership, it’s going to make leading others very difficult.
Because remember, you’re only a leader if others choose to follow.
Typically people choose to follow those who are kind, caring, authentic, compassionate, communicate clearly with integrity and honesty, who see genuine mistakes as opportunities for growth and innovation, who mentor and coach, and who are willing to be vulnerable by asking for help, ideas and feedback.
It’s a lot, and it’s a journey, sometimes a tough journey, to become all of these things and more.
Where are you on your personal leadership journey?
If there was one thing that you could focus on that would have the greatest impact, what would it be?
If I can support you on your journey, please reach out.
