Many of us frequently admit, "We all make mistakes." And we say, "To err is human."
And let's not forget, "If you're not making mistakes, then you aren't doing anything."
Leaders will usually fall into one of two camps when it comes to their culture of creativity:
- Leaders will discourage mistakes and respond in a punitive manner.
- Leaders will encourage mistakes and respond in an encouraging manner.
I believe that we are influenced by the managers we served early in our career. Much like parenting scripts, we tend to believe what we hear from our bosses as we launch out in our first few jobs.
So our mistake-tolerance is fairly well established in the early steps along our career path.
In growing healthy organizations, effective leaders establish a culture that encourages trial and error. If we want our teams to be creative, we cannot discourage the fruit of a creative thought. Apparent mistakes may eventually prove to be long-term winners.
We must avoid the mortification of mistakes. I know I've questioned myself a few hundred times along the way, but I've tried not to beat myself up for more than a short pity party.
I've learned to expect mistakes. I don't ever like a mistake, but I know that blunders and brilliance are kissing cousins.
If you wish to create an accepting environment, I offer one simple suggestion:
Be consistent.
It only takes one "How could you have missed this?" to damage an encouraging culture. No mean faces or snarls. No mocking the mistake to others on the team.
Acceptance of error must be accompanied by teaching moments. If we are to learn from our mistakes, then a teacher must spend time to review the error process. We can always learn from an autopsy.
There is now, therefore, no condemnation.
"When Jesus had stood up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, 'Woman, where are your accusers? Did no one condemn you?' She said, 'No one, Lord.' Jesus said to her, 'Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more'" (John 8:10-11).
Platform Tip No. 45
If you want to know the best time to post your message on social media, watch the platform to see when your followers are active.
Timing is not intuitive.
Assume that your audience doesn't behave in the same manner as another writer's audience behaves.
Birds of a feather do flock together.
Do you want to learn more about developing your personal platform?
Send for my free series of lessons titled, "The Fundamentals of Creating, Curating and Developing Content for Multiple Platforms." Send your request to: [email protected].
We will not share your email address with anyone.
Dr. Steve Greene is the publisher and executive vice president of the media group at Charisma Media and executive producer of the Charisma Podcast Network. His book, Love Leads: The Spiritual Connection Between Your Relationships and Productivity, is now available.
Leaders, Dr. Greene wants to help you understand the spiritual connection between relationships and productivity. Read his new blog, here.
Get Spirit-filled content delivered right to your inbox! Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.
Dr. Steve Greene is now sharing stories, teachings, and conversations with guests who lead with love on Love Leads, a new podcast. Listen now.
Dr. Mark Rutland's
National Institute of Christian Leadership (NICL)
The NICL is one of the top leadership training programs in the U.S. taught by Dr. Mark Rutland. If you're the type of leader that likes to have total control over every aspect of your ministry and your future success, the NICL is right for you!
FREE NICL MINI-COURSE - Enroll for 3-hours of training from Dr. Rutland's full leadership course. Experience the NICL and decide if this training is right for you and your team.
Do you feel stuck? Do you feel like you’re not growing? Do you need help from an expert in leadership? There is no other leadership training like the NICL. Gain the leadership skills and confidence you need to lead your church, business or ministry. Get ready to accomplish all of your God-given dreams. CLICK HERE for NICL training dates and details.The NICL Online is an option for any leader with time or schedule constraints. It's also for leaders who want to expedite their training to receive advanced standing for Master Level credit hours. Work through Dr. Rutland's full training from the comfort of your home or ministry at your pace. Learn more about NICL Online. Learn more about NICL Online.
