In Praise of Admitting Mistakes

08/04/2021

In Praise of Admitting Mistakes

As I look back on my life, I realize that every time I thought I was being rejected from something good, I was actually being redirected to something better.
Steve Maraboli, speaker and author

An article in Forbes magazine by Glenn Llopis extols the benefits of admitting mistakes, especially if you are in a leadership role (leading a team of people, serving as a role model for children, or both).

Here are the four reasons Llopis says admitting mistakes is positive:

"1. It Earns Respect
…When leaders are honest about their shortfalls and can learn from their mistakes, they earn respect and along the way create an environment of transparency…

2. Vulnerability Strengthens The Team
…many leaders are…too concerned with how they will be perceived by others…This creates a real barrier between leaders and their teams, at a time when more than ever people want to…know that their leaders have experienced the same problems and overcome similar obstacles to get where they are today…

3. Leading By Example
When leaders are accountable for their mistakes, they are leading by example. This elevates employee engagement to a point where leaders…are empowering employees to take more initiative, knowing that they’re not always going to have the right answer.

4. Builds a Culture of Trust
…A workplace culture that promotes trust allows employees to live with an entrepreneurial attitude, which stimulates innovation and initiative…"

Speaking of mistakes, here are two resources that can support children and educators in feeling comfortable with mistakes – or not always having "the right answers":

A free webinar called "Explore and Thrive: Creating Spaces Where Children Can Be Themselves, Make Mistakes and Try Again" is available on August 11 at 1:00 PM Central Time.

Description: Go beyond the basics both indoors and outdoors. Hear from design experts as they share cost-effective design strategies to create spaces where children feel safe to explore and take risks.

A Can of Worms, one of the newer Reimagining Our Work books, supports educators in taking risks in inviting conversations with children on challenging topics (and being ok with sometimes feeling uncomfortable).

For more information about Exchange's magazine, books, and other products pertaining to ECE, go to www.ccie.com.