I don’t like to fail. In fact, I hate it. Especially when it comes to areas that affect other people.

The problem is that I’m flawed. I will fail. It is a part of life. What I’m realizing is that failure provides some sweet opportunities.

Failure can bring freedom.

Trying to manage an image of perfection can be exhausting. I know because I have done it. Three of the most freeing words for leaders can be “I was wrong”. When we admit how we’ve messed up to ourselves and to others, we give ourselves permission to be real. Instead of trying to constantly manage peoples’ perceptions, we can focus on being present.

Failure can create followers.

People don’t want to follow someone who never fails. I find that when leaders open up about an area of weakness in their life, I want to move towards relationship with them, not the opposite. The reality is that people often identify with weakness more than they do with strength. And when a leader is present, even in their weakness, they give their followers someone they can relate to.

Failure can influence others.

The ironic thing about failing as a leader is this: we are afraid to fail because we feel like it will disqualify us from leading; when in fact, the moments where we have the ability to influence others the most can be the times where we walk through failure. When we don’t acknowledge our mistakes, we miss out on the chance to influence others through them.