Leadership Lesson: The Power of Acknowledging Mistakes to Build Trust
Mistakes. We all make them. But when you're in a leadership role, the stakes feel much higher. The pressure to be perfect can weigh heavily on entrepreneurs, especially when your team looks to you for guidance and stability. But what if I told you that the most powerful thing you can do as a leader isn’t to hide your mistakes, but to own them?
In my recent contribution to the article 12 Leadership Challenges and Lessons for Entrepreneurs featured on Small Biz Leader, I share an experience that completely changed my perspective on leadership. Here’s a sneak peek:
Acknowledging Mistakes: The Key to Building Trust and Fostering Connection
There was a time when I was presenting a proposal to senior executives, a room filled with people whose approval I desperately sought. After weeks of preparation, I felt confident. But as I spoke, I realized I had missed a critical piece of data in my pitch.
My heart sank. The self-doubt began to creep in. The inner critic whispered, “They’ll see you as a fraud.” But instead of trying to cover it up or shift the blame, I chose a different path.
I paused. Took a breath. And I said it out loud: "I’ve realized that I missed a key piece of data here. Let me correct that."
In that moment, everything changed.
Why This Matters for Entrepreneurs
As leaders, we often feel the need to appear perfect. But the truth is, the strongest leaders are the ones who show up with authenticity, embracing their imperfections and learning from their mistakes. In my experience, acknowledging a mistake openly isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength. And when you lead with vulnerability, something incredible happens:
Trust is built.
Team morale strengthens.
Honesty and transparency become the foundation of your leadership.
This small act of admitting my mistake created an atmosphere of connection. Instead of fearing judgment, I embraced my vulnerability, which inspired others in the room to do the same. One colleague even shared how my openness gave them the courage to speak up about their own concerns—something they had been afraid to do before.
The Ripple Effect of Vulnerable Leadership
When leaders acknowledge their mistakes, it doesn’t just change their own leadership approach—it transforms the entire team culture. By shifting the focus from perfection to growth, we allow our teams to feel safer, more supported, and more confident in their own learning journey.
Leaders who embrace their imperfections create a space where everyone feels empowered to do the same. It’s not about being flawless—it’s about being authentic, vulnerable, and committed to growth. And this mindset allows us to lead with resilience and purpose.
Read More in 12 Leadership Challenges and Lessons for Entrepreneurs 🎯
This is just a taste of the leadership insights I share in the full article. If you want to dive deeper into the challenges and lessons we all face as entrepreneurs, I encourage you to check out the full article on Small Biz Leader, where you’ll hear from me and other entrepreneurial leaders on the lessons that truly shape leadership journeys.
👉 Read the full article here: 12 Leadership Challenges and Lessons for Entrepreneurs
Final Thoughts
When it comes to leadership, perfection is overrated. Embrace your imperfections, acknowledge your mistakes, and build a culture of trust where growth, learning, and authenticity are the driving forces behind your leadership journey. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being real. And that’s what will take your leadership to the next level.
P.S. Ready to reimagine your leadership journey? I've guided over 1,330 women through their personal and professional growth, and I'd love to support you too.
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