Mistakes

Even the most seasoned technical leader will make mistakes, but true leaders admit and own up to mistakes, versus deflecting blame. Some mistakes are trivial, some are detrimental. Recognize them and own up.

I've been in my field since my early teens, and one of the most important traits I learnt from a leader, own up and fix it, don't make excuses, don't lie, just own up and fix it. It makes you life so much easier. This trait is something that many managers don't display, many choose to deflect blame. I've had my fair share, remember one director who purposely lied to everyone around her in order to elevate herself to a higher position, but the end result for her, she was let go from her director role, mangers like this have no place in any organization. But sadly they are all there still enjoying the fruits of others labour.

Take Canada's Trudeau, and his SNC fiasco. Instead of being a true leader unlike the others before him, he decided to deflect and disagree with the findings. A true leader would have simply taken the blame, apologize for it, own up to his mistakes. Instead he fumbles through the speech with his “ums” taking but deflecting blame.

So moral of the story here, if you are a manager, don't manage, lead your people to a higher plain of existence. Don't just manage them.