Leadership carries weight. It’s about more than making decisions or holding a title—it’s about influence. Leaders set the tone, model expectations, and shape the culture around them. Embracing the responsibility that comes with leadership is essential to using that influence well.
The potential for positive impact
When leaders are intentional, the impact can be far-reaching. Strong leadership fosters trust, collaboration, and innovation. It creates environments where people feel safe, seen, and motivated to contribute. Leaders like Nelson Mandela and Malala Yousafzai remind us that leadership rooted in values can move people—and even entire systems—toward meaningful change. But impact doesn’t require global recognition. Each of us has the opportunity to influence the people around us through how we lead, communicate, and respond.
Leading as fully human
Leadership doesn’t require perfection. In fact, pretending we have it all together often gets in the way. The best leaders embrace their full humanity—including both strengths and blind spots. Being “chronically human” means acknowledging the complexity we carry: our gifts, creativity, and insight, alongside our pride, fear, and mistakes. The more honest we are with ourselves, the more connected and authentic our leadership becomes.
Responding to Mistakes with accountability
Every leader will make mistakes. What matters is how we respond when we do. Avoiding accountability erodes trust, while owning missteps with humility and clarity creates space for repair. When leaders acknowledge harm and actively work to make things right, they demonstrate maturity, integrity, and care.
Five Steps to Repair harm and rebuild trust
Here’s a practical model leaders can use to take responsibility and restore relationships after harm occurs:
- Regulate your emotions. Take time to calm your nervous system. Whether through breathing, pausing, or grounding practices, it’s important to approach the conversation steadily and ready to engage constructively.
- Name the behavior. Identify and acknowledge the behavior that caused harm. This isn’t about shame—it’s about clarity and ownership.
- Name the better choice. Share what you wish you had done differently. This step shows learning, reflection, and commitment to doing better.
- Engage in conversation. Meet with the person you’ve impacted. Approach the conversation with empathy, humility, and a genuine desire to repair.
- Listen to understand. Practice reflective listening. Hear their perspective without defensiveness. Validation and understanding go a long way in rebuilding trust.
Applying the framework in every sphere
While this model is useful in professional contexts, it’s just as effective in personal relationships. Whether it’s a conflict with a team member, a friend, or a family member, the same principles apply. Repair is part of any relationship worth sustaining
Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about showing up with integrity, owning our impact, and choosing to grow. When we lead with honesty, courage, and care, we give others permission to do the same. The work of leadership begins with us, but it doesn’t end there—it ripples outward.
Trust is a key component to our third foundational class, Our Community Transforms,* within our model for Caring Leadership and our Caring Workplaces program. To learn more, visit our Partnership page.
*Note: You must be an alumnus of Our Community Listens to register for Our Community Transforms.
