Managers know that holding people accountable for mistakes is part of the job — and it’s not always fun. Also part of the job (and even tougher): Holding yourself accountable for errors in judgment, decisions or actions — especially when those mistakes directly impact your team. Good leaders take responsibility in a timely way, apologize and acknowledge the effects on the team. They also reflect. Mistakes will happen — after all, you are human. Respond to your own mistakes the way you would respond to others, so that you model consistent values and create a learning culture.
Advice from Jill Geisler, Bill Plante Chair in Leadership & Media Integrity, Loyola University Chicago, Freedom Forum Fellow in Women’s Leadership
