Make More Mistakes!

The Value of Making Mistakes: Lessons in Leadership and Growth

Mistakes have a funny way of staying with us. Whether it’s the sting of embarrassment, the frustration of a missed opportunity, or the lingering feeling of “I should have known better,” we often let mistakes weigh us down. But what if I told you that mistakes are one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves and others? That they’re not something to fear but something to celebrate?

As leaders, parents, educators, or simply as people navigating this wonderfully unpredictable life, mistakes are unavoidable. But more importantly, they’re invaluable. They teach us, stretch us, and often surprise us in the best ways. What if we stopped seeing mistakes as failures and started seeing them for what they truly are: learning made visible?

I recently attended an event where the director of our organization encouraged its leaders to make mistakes. We were being encouraged to make mistakes because mistakes are a visual demonstration of learning. When we make mistakes, we learn, we iterate, we try again. And when people are given the freedom to make mistakes, they will unleash their creativity. How wonderful!

Why Mistakes Matter

From a young age, many of us are taught that mistakes are bad. We’re encouraged to avoid them at all costs, to strive for perfection, and to feel shame when we fall short. But the truth is, mistakes are an essential part of growth. Think about it: how many times have you learned something profound because things didn’t go as planned?

That kind of thinking, that perfectionism, can actually stop us from bringing our brilliance into the world. Imagine how many inventions, ideas, businesses, solutions to problems have remained hidden because people were afraid to make mistakes.

Mistakes matter because they:

1. Illuminate the Path Forward: Every misstep teaches us what doesn’t work, guiding us toward what does. It’s through trial and error that we discover new solutions, refine our skills, and deepen our understanding.
2. Encourage Innovation: Some of the world’s most remarkable discoveries happened by accident. Think about penicillin, Post-it Notes, or even potato chips. Mistakes create space for creativity and ingenuity to thrive.
3. Build Resilience: Facing and overcoming mistakes strengthens our ability to navigate challenges. Each time we stumble and get back up, we’re building the muscle of resilience—a vital skill for leadership and life.

Mistakes aren’t the problem. The real problem is how we respond to them.

A Leader’s Role in Embracing Mistakes

As leaders, how we handle mistakes—both our own and those of others—sends a powerful message. Are mistakes something to be hidden, fixed quickly, and never spoken of again? Or are they opportunities for growth, reflection, and connection?

If we want to foster a culture of learning and innovation, we need to shift how we approach mistakes. Here’s how we can start:

1. Model Vulnerability

Leadership isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being authentic. When we openly admit to our mistakes, we show that it’s okay to be human. This vulnerability builds trust and encourages others to take ownership of their own missteps.

I remember a time when I made a scheduling error that impacted a school event. It would have been easy to brush it off or blame the system, but instead, I owned it. I acknowledged the mistake, apologized, and shared what I learned from the experience. Not only did this build trust with my team, but it also opened the door for more honest conversations about the challenges we were all navigating.

2. Encourage Risk-Taking

Innovation requires experimentation, and experimentation comes with the risk of failure. If we want to see creative solutions and bold ideas, we need to create a safe space for people to try, fail, and try again.

When someone on your team makes a mistake, resist the urge to criticize or fix it immediately. Instead, ask questions like, “What did you learn from this?” or “How can we approach this differently next time?” These conversations shift the focus from failure to growth. And just as important, ask “how can I help?” as that shows our willingness to get into the mess with our team.

3. Celebrate Effort, Not Just Outcomes

In our results-driven world, it’s easy to overlook the effort that goes into trying something new. But it’s the process—the courage to take risks and learn from mistakes—that deserves recognition.

Celebrate the steps people take, even if they don’t lead to the desired outcome. Recognizing effort reinforces the idea that growth is more important than perfection.

Turning Mistakes into Opportunities

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned as a leader is that mistakes aren’t the end of the story. They’re often the beginning of something better. But only if we’re willing to pause, reflect, and learn.

Here’s how we can turn mistakes into opportunities:

• Pause and Reflect: When a mistake happens, take a moment to step back and evaluate. What went wrong? What factors contributed? What can you do differently next time?
• Own It: There’s power in taking responsibility for your actions. Owning your mistakes not only builds credibility but also sets an example for others to do the same.
• Share the Lesson: Mistakes are great teachers, and their lessons often extend beyond the individual. Share what you’ve learned with your team, your family, or your community. These conversations foster connection and collective growth.

Why This Matters

When we shift our mindset about mistakes, we create a ripple effect. We show others that it’s okay to be imperfect, to try new things, and to learn along the way. We build environments where people feel safe to take risks and grow.

For me, the most rewarding part of embracing mistakes has been watching others do the same. When a teacher feels comfortable trying a new approach in the classroom, knowing it might not go perfectly, or when a student owns up to a misstep and talks through how they’ll handle it differently next time, I see the power of this mindset in action.

An Invitation

I want to leave you with a question: What mistake have you made recently that taught you something? Take a moment to reflect on it. Maybe even share it with someone you trust. You might be surprised at how it shifts your perspective.

And the next time you or someone around you stumbles, remember this: Mistakes aren’t failures. They’re stepping stones. They’re opportunities to grow, to innovate, and to connect.

Let’s commit to embracing the messiness of learning and leading. Mistakes and all.