We’re bringing back a TG Classic - with a few tweaks - to help you bring more vulnerability-based trust to your team.

We know how hard it is to create healthy teams where everyone pulls in the same direction. Teams who make choices that support the good of the whole, overcome obstacles together, bounce back from adversity, and get results that make everyone proud operate in service to both individuals and the organizations they serve.

Creating and maintaining this type of culture and teamwork is hard work. We often help leaders identify where their teams and currently thriving, and uncover what could be better as they work on accomplishing great things together.

One of the first elements of team health is vulnerability-based trust. A key element to building this type of trust is admitting when you, as a leader, make a mistake.

(Hint, this is short in explanation, and may be harder to practice).

There are several potential ways to admit a mistake, and each has different implications for your team.

How many times have you heard apologies like these?

1. "I made a mistake, but it wasn't my fault."
Blaming others does not contribute to a healthy team.

2. "I made a mistake. Sorry I'm such a loser."
Putting yourself down does not contribute to a healthy team.

What if you heard something like this instead?

3. "I made a mistake. Thank you for supporting me as we recover."

Taking responsibility, accepting help, and showing appreciation all contribute to a healthy team. When you model this behavior as a leader, it makes it easier for your employees to do the same. Owning your part, while extending gratitude for allowing yourself and others to be human at work

Illustrator Yao Xiao shared some cartoons which show the impact of being thankful rather than overly apologetic.

Where would a "thank you" have a more positive impact than "I'm sorry" with your team? In your life?

If you’re wondering how shifts like this can help you and your team work better together, let’s have a conversation.

Thank you for investing time in improving your impact as a leader.