How can you learn from decision-making mistakes?

As a servant leader, you aim to empower and serve others, but that does not mean you always make the right decisions. Sometimes, you may face complex, uncertain, or ethical dilemmas that challenge your judgment and actions. Other times, you may overlook important information, biases, or feedback that could have improved your outcomes. How can you learn from your decision-making mistakes and grow as a leader and a learner?

1 Acknowledge and accept your mistakes

The first step to learning from your decision-making mistakes is to acknowledge and accept them. Denying, blaming, or rationalizing your errors will only prevent you from seeing the reality and the consequences of your choices. Instead, you need to be honest, humble, and accountable for your actions and their impact on others. By admitting your mistakes, you show respect and integrity to yourself and your followers, and you open yourself to feedback and improvement.

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2 Analyze and reflect on your mistakes

The second step to learning from your decision-making mistakes is to analyze and reflect on them. You need to understand what went wrong, why it went wrong, and how it could have been done differently. You can use various tools and frameworks to help you with this process, such as the 5 Whys, the Root Cause Analysis, or the After Action Review. You can also seek input and perspectives from others who were involved or affected by your decision. By analyzing and reflecting on your mistakes, you gain insights and lessons that can inform your future decisions.

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3 Apply and share your learning

The third step to learning from your decision-making mistakes is to apply and share your learning. You need to use the knowledge and skills you gained from your analysis and reflection to improve your decision-making process and outcomes. You can also share your learning with others who can benefit from your experience and feedback. By applying and sharing your learning, you demonstrate your commitment and growth as a servant leader, and you foster a culture of learning and improvement in your organization.

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4 Seek and welcome feedback

The fourth step to learning from your decision-making mistakes is to seek and welcome feedback. You need to be open and receptive to the opinions and suggestions of others who can help you improve your decision-making quality and effectiveness. You can ask for feedback from your followers, peers, mentors, or experts, and listen to them with curiosity and respect. You can also give feedback to others who make decision-making mistakes, and support them with empathy and guidance. By seeking and welcoming feedback, you enhance your communication and collaboration skills, and you build trust and rapport with others.

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Lukansha Gopalan

Training And Quality Manager | Department Management, People Management, RCA, LSS
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I have observed that when you are a leader, you are in a position to make changes and to use that power effectively, it is important to continuously take feedbacks. You must know what is happening with your team, what is going right and what is going wrong. If you know what's wrong - you know what's affecting them and their productivity. You can make those changes happen that can help them grow. Feedback taking also helps in establishing a safe connection amongst your team and they feel comfortable in sharing their thoughts. Sometimes, I have witnessed feedbacks give good insights and option to tackle daily challenges.

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5 Embrace and celebrate failure

The fifth step to learning from your decision-making mistakes is to embrace and celebrate failure. You need to recognize that failure is not a sign of weakness or incompetence, but an opportunity for learning and innovation. You need to overcome the fear of failure, and adopt a growth mindset that views challenges as chances to develop and excel. You need to also celebrate your failures, and appreciate the efforts and achievements that came from them. By embracing and celebrating failure, you cultivate a positive and resilient attitude, and you inspire others to do the same.

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6 Review and update your goals

The sixth and final step to learning from your decision-making mistakes is to review and update your goals. You need to evaluate your progress and performance, and see how your decisions have helped or hindered your objectives. You need to also adjust your goals according to the changes and opportunities that arise from your decisions. By reviewing and updating your goals, you ensure that your decisions are aligned with your vision and values, and that you are moving forward as a servant leader.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you learn from decision-making mistakes?

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Acknowledge and accept your mistakes

2 Analyze and reflect on your mistakes

3 Apply and share your learning

4 Seek and welcome feedback

5 Embrace and celebrate failure

6 Review and update your goals

7 Here’s what else to consider

Servant Leadership

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How can you learn from decision-making mistakes?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Acknowledge and accept your mistakes

2 Analyze and reflect on your mistakes

3 Apply and share your learning

4 Seek and welcome feedback

5 Embrace and celebrate failure

6 Review and update your goals

7 Here’s what else to consider

Servant Leadership

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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