Last week, I received an email from Target’s CEO regarding the store’s recent data breach. The email contained an apology for the incident and steps the company was taking to be proactive in remedying the situation.
No one in a leadership position is perfect. We all make mistakes. The real test comes when things go wrong. Will you own the mistake and take steps to correcting the situation or will you sweep it under the rug, pretending that nothing happened or – gasp – passing the blame onto someone else?
In my opinion, smart leaders:
- listen intently before speaking
- take ownership for any wrongdoing
- ask for forgiveness
- work to find a solution to make things right
- listen some more
Doing these things will not only make you a stronger leader but you will gain and keep the trust of those you lead.
What would you add to the list? What else can leaders do to remedy situations gone wrong?
The mark of a true leader is the desire to right any wrongs under your watch. To stand in front and receive the fiery darts that are thrown. A leader who blames or hides behind others when facing trials, is no leader (imo). Thanks for speaking about this important topic.