Why Examining Your Mistakes Matters
We all make mistakes. The difference between those who succeed and those who stagnate often comes down to one simple thing: how they respond to failure. It’s not enough to acknowledge your mistakes; you need to examine them deeply, learn from them, and use them as a guide for future decisions.
This process isn’t always easy. It requires confronting your ego, accepting responsibility, and making necessary changes. However, it’s this examination of errors that ultimately leads to personal growth, professional success, and stronger leadership.
Why Mistakes Are Learning Opportunities
From Ego Is the Enemy
In 2000, the New England Patriots selected Tom Brady as a backup quarterback in the 6th round of the NFL draft. Little did they know, he would go on to lead the team to nine Super Bowl appearances, winning six of them. When the Patriots realized Brady’s value, they also recognized a major flaw in their scouting processes. Had luck not been on their side, they might have missed him entirely.
This story teaches us a critical lesson: even when things turn out well, we shouldn’t ignore the role luck plays in success. Examining what went wrong—like how the Patriots nearly overlooked Brady—helps prevent similar mistakes in the future.
Key takeaway: Luck may play a role in your success, but a consistent process of reflection ensures your achievements are based on skill, not chance.
The Importance of Taking Ownership
From Extreme Ownership
Taking ownership of your mistakes is challenging, especially when you’re in a leadership position where the consequences of errors can impact an entire team. It’s easy to shift blame or make excuses, but true growth starts when you take responsibility—not only for your own mistakes but also for your team’s failures.
This approach requires taming your ego. When you’re focused more on looking good than on achieving your goals, you’re more likely to make excuses or deny your mistakes. This mentality not only stunts personal growth but also weakens the overall performance of your team.
Jocko Willink, author of Extreme Ownership, emphasizes that real progress starts when you accept full responsibility. As a leader, your primary mission should always be more important than your pride.
Key takeaway: Conquer your ego, prioritize the mission, and recognize that admitting mistakes is a necessary step toward improvement.
Overcoming the Role of Ego in Mistakes
Your ego can hinder growth by causing you to rationalize your mistakes or even ignore them altogether. When things work out despite poor choices, it’s tempting to let your ego convince you that your success was deserved. However, when you attribute success purely to your own brilliance, you miss the chance to learn.
A crucial part of examining your mistakes is to acknowledge the role that luck may have played in your success. This self-awareness helps you refine your strategies and ensures that you’re prepared when luck isn’t on your side.
Case Study: Jamie Dimon vs. Other CEOs
After Jamie Dimon was fired as president of Citigroup, he could have easily blamed others or let bitterness consume him. Instead, he focused on self-reflection. He took responsibility for his role in the mistakes, used his downtime to read widely, and even reached out to the man who fired him to acknowledge his missteps. His ability to confront his errors and maintain accountability enabled him to bounce back as the CEO of Bank One, eventually leading JPMorgan Chase to record profitability.
In contrast, CEOs like Jacques Nasser (Ford), Carly Fiorina (Hewlett-Packard), and John Sculley (Apple) failed to exhibit the same level of self-reflection and accountability. They struggled to make a comeback, primarily due to their inability to honestly assess their mistakes and maintain a presence in their industries.
Key takeaway: The willingness to face your mistakes directly and use them as a springboard for growth is a defining trait of successful leaders.
Steps to Examine Your Mistakes Effectively
1. Take Ownership
Start by taking responsibility. When a mistake occurs, pause and acknowledge it. It’s essential to understand that you control your reactions to mistakes, and that accepting responsibility is the first step toward improvement.
2. Analyze the Cause
Dig deep to understand why the mistake happened. The “Five Whys” technique is a powerful way to uncover the root cause:
- Why did this happen?
- Why was this situation created?
- Why didn’t we foresee it?
- Why wasn’t it handled differently?
- Why does this keep recurring?
Breaking down the mistake step by step ensures that you’re not just addressing symptoms but solving the underlying issues.
3. Separate Ego from Reality
Identify the role your ego plays in your mistakes. Are you more focused on maintaining your pride or achieving your goals? Redirect your focus toward the mission, even if it requires admitting faults and accepting critique. Growth requires humility.
4. Engage in Continuous Learning
Use each mistake as an opportunity for learning. Whether it’s seeking advice from mentors, reading more about relevant topics, or attending workshops, there are many ways to build skills and avoid repeating past errors.
Key takeaway: Continuous learning requires effort, but it’s the most effective way to turn mistakes into growth.
Giving Credit Where It’s Due
From Extreme Ownership
When a team achieves success, it’s tempting for leaders to take credit. However, the best leaders pass the credit to their teams, reinforcing the idea that success is a shared effort. Conversely, when a team fails, effective leaders are the first to accept responsibility. This approach not only fosters trust but also builds a culture of accountability.
When you take responsibility for failures and pass the credit for success to others, you create a culture where team members feel safe to take risks, learn from mistakes, and ultimately contribute more effectively.
Key takeaway: True leadership involves owning up to failures and celebrating the successes of others.
Why Accountability Is Crucial
Taking accountability for your mistakes not only builds trust but also enhances your credibility. When people see that you’re willing to own your errors and work to improve, they’re more likely to respect your leadership and follow your guidance.
Accountability is also a personal commitment to growth. It involves setting clear goals, assessing progress regularly, and making adjustments as needed. In the long run, this approach will help you develop resilience and better decision-making skills.
Key takeaway: Accountability isn’t just about admitting mistakes—it’s about committing to improvement.
Conclusion: Mistakes Are Stepping Stones
At the end of the day, mistakes are inevitable. The question is not whether you will make mistakes, but how you will respond when you do. Examining your mistakes is not just a necessary part of growth—it’s one of the most powerful ways to ensure continuous progress and success.
- Reflect honestly on your mistakes.
- Analyze what went wrong and why.
- Let go of ego and embrace accountability.
- Apply lessons learned to future decisions.
Takeaway question: How will you approach your next mistake as an opportunity for growth?
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” — Winston Churchill
