By Steve Adubato , PhD Freelance Contributor

’ m fascinated by the critical question of “ taking responsibility ” or as I ’ ve come to describe it as “ owning it !” As leaders , we make lots of mistakes because we ’ re human beings . But the best leaders understand the need to “ own ” those mistakes . Following are some keys to “ owning it ” as a leader :

◾ No excuses . When things go wrong , it is too easy to start making excuses or trying to explain our way out of things . Nobody cares about our excuses . Instead , when you are up front and own the mistake , you can quickly move on and focus on a solution , rather than focusing on the problem .

◾ You are responsible . Whether it is a typo in a proposal , missing a deadline or some other way a team member fell short , as the leader of your team , you are responsible and you must “ own it ” with the key stakeholder or client and communicate specifically how you are going to make things right .

◾ Regroup with your team . Once you have set things right externally , a very candid conversation needs to take place with your team about what went wrong , why it happened , who “ owns ” it and what must be done ( by when ) to make sure the “ mistake ” is not repeated .

Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto / howtogoto

◾ Share the credit when things go well . While leaders must take responsibility when things go wrong , they must also share the credit when things go right . This not only makes individuals feel valued , but it sends the message to the entire team that you appreciate their efforts .

◾ Taking responsibility is a sign of strength . Too often , leaders perceive admitting one ’ s mistakes as a sign of weakness , which couldn ’ t be further from the truth . It is the strongest leader who takes full responsibility for his actions , words , and mistakes .

Steve Adubato , PhD , is the author of five books including , “ Lessons in Leadership .” His sixth book , “ Lessons in Leadership 2.0 : The Tough Stuff ,” will be released in summer 2023 . He is an Emmy ^® Award-winning anchor with programs airing on Thirteen / WNET ( PBS ) and NJ PBS . He has also appeared on CNN , NPR and NBC ’ s Today Show . Steve Adubato ' s “ Lessons in Leadership ” video podcast with co-host Mary Gamba airs Sundays at 10:00 a . m . on News 12 +. For more information visit www . Stand-Deliver . com

Engage Thousands of Decision Makers Monthy