The Hardest Lesson I Learned About Leadership: Owning My Mistakes

Leadership isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being accountable. Years ago, I made a poor decision. Instead of owning it, I tried to cover it up. I thought silence would protect my credibility.

Then, an employee under my supervision damaged company property. Suddenly, my earlier mistake came to light. The fallout wasn’t just about the damage—it was about trust.

That day, I learned something I’ll never forget: Integrity isn’t negotiable. When you hide mistakes, you don’t just risk your reputation—you risk the trust of your team.

Since then, I’ve embraced transparency. If I make a mistake, I own it immediately. Because leadership isn’t about never failing—it’s about how you respond when you do.