Fall on the Sword
The phrase to “fall on the sword” goes back at least to ancient Roman times, when it had the literal meaning of committing suicide by using one’s own sword. From a leadership perspective, to “fall on the sword” is when you have made a mistake, to fully own your mistakes.
Fully Own It
Owning your mistakes is part of being authentic as a leader. It’s no use pretending that you didn’t make a mistake, or hoping that no one will notice, or even worse blaming the mistake on someone else.
Don’t hide from your mistakes. Be transparent and own up to the mistake that you have made. When genuine in owning your mistake, most people will give a lot of grace. We are all human. Nobody is perfect as long as you own it right.
How to Own Your Mistake
- Identify and acknowledge that you have made a mistake.
Clearly define the mistake. - Identify what you could have done differently.
In hindsight, it can be clear what you could have done to prevent this mistake. - Determine what you will do differently next time.
What have you learned and what will you do differently next time to prevent this mistake. - Tell people about the mistake you have made.
Tell people your mistake, what you have learned, and what you will do differently next time. - Ask for an expect forgiveness.
Most people want to forgive you if you are sincere when owning your mistake. Be transparent in fully acknowledging your mistake.
Recent Mistake?
If you have made a recent mistake; What could you have done and what will you do differently? Let us know about your experience owning your mistakes in the comments.
- What did you learn from it?
- How did people receive your ownership of the mistake?