Why Admitting Your Mistakes Builds Credibility (and How to Do It Right)
Mistakes happen. Period. In construction, in leadership, in life—they’re just inevitable. But what separates great people from mediocre ones isn’t avoiding mistakes; it’s how they handle them.
The willingness to admit mistakes upfront doesn’t make you weak, on the contrary it shows honesty; it builds credibility, fosters trust and strengthens teams. I know, this sort of idea flies in the face of the traditional machismo mindset in construction—the ole’ “just figure it out and don’t let anyone see you sweat” approach—but hear me out.
We’ve all seen what happens when someone tries to cover up a mistake. Maybe an estimator missed a sheet while doing structural takeoffs, but instead of admitting it, they hoped the project team could speed up productivity to make it “work.” Fast forward a few months and now the operation is losing tens of thousands in both material and labor. The truth always comes out. If you were hoping for a cover up the damage to your reputation becomes far worse than the original mistake.
So, what’s the right way to handle it?
When to Admit Your Mistake
Immediately. It seems obvious, right? That is until we consider the embarrassment that is sure to follow. At least, that’s what it feels like in the moment.
Whether you want to or not, as soon as you realize you’ve made a mistake, that’s the optimal time to own it. The longer you wait, the bigger the problem grows. In construction, every delay in addressing an error multiplies the cost and impact, often exponentially. Those who acknowledge their mistakes early not only mitigate risk but also set an example for their teams.
The key is, regardless of the mistake, you must move forward. The only way to do that is to admit what happened as fast as possible.
How to Admit Your Mistake
First and foremost, check the ego at the door.
That’s right, one of the biggest barriers to admitting a mistake is ego. Nobody likes to be wrong, especially in a high-stakes industry like construction, where expertise and confidence are highly valued. But a true leader understands that mistakes don’t define them—how they handle those mistakes does. Those who say, “I made a mistake and here’s how I’m going to fix it,” earn far more respect than those who deflect responsibility.
Which brings us to the second critical factor, taking ownership.
In their best-selling book Extreme Ownership, authors Jocko Willink and Leif Babin unpack this crucial mindset as a key quality of leadership. The philosophy emphasizes taking full responsibility for everything within your control, instead of looking for external factors to explain away the mistake. By asking yourself, “What could I have done differently?” you begin to transform problems into learning opportunities and inspire those around you.
How to Handle it When Someone Else Finds the Mistake
Sometimes though, we make a mistake we didn’t even know about.
I get it, no one likes getting called out, but the way you respond determines how your reputation holds up. It’s so easy to get defensive when a mistake is pointed out and to search for explanations (excuses really) for why things happened the way they did.
Or worse yet, to blame. Even if multiple factors contributed to the issue, ownership means focusing on solutions rather than assigning fault. Don’t get me wrong, taking responsibility doesn’t mean letting others off the hook—rather it means leading by example and demonstrating accountability.
The first response should always be focused on fixing the problem, not explaining it away. The phrase “Let’s fix it” carries far more weight than “Well, here’s why that happened.” People respect those who take decisive action rather than those who make excuses. When you shift your focus from blame to problem-solving, you set the tone for the entire team to do the same.
What to do After a Mistake
Owning a mistake, well that is just the beginning. The real value comes from what happens next.
You see, every mistake presents an opportunity for learning and growth. Instead of trying to move on as fast as possible, take the time to analyze what went wrong. Maybe, just maybe, there are measures to put in place to prevent similar issues in the future. Do we refine processes? Update checklists? Improve communication?
Whatever it might be, proactive changes ensure that mistakes don’t become recurring problems.
From there, building discipline plays a crucial role in moving forward. Another of Jocko and Leif’s lessons states that while many people think discipline means rigidity, in reality it enables flexibility. When teams operate with strong foundational processes, they can better handle unexpected challenges without falling into total chaos. By leaning into disciplined execution, you’re able to create environments where teams can adapt quickly and effectively, turning setbacks into steppingstones for improvement.
Why Admitting Your Mistake Matters to You Too
Admitting mistakes does more than just fix problems—it strengthens relationships and builds credibility. People are drawn to people who are authentic and human, not people who pretend to be infallible. Owning your mistakes makes you relatable while also showing your commitment to continuous learning and growing.
Beyond relatability, being honest about mistakes fosters trust. People are far more accepting of those who are transparent and accountable. When you admit your own mistakes, it fosters a culture where others feel safe doing the same. This openness leads to stronger collaboration, increased innovation and a shared commitment to excellence.
Above all else, admitting mistakes builds long-term credibility. By being consistent and taking responsibility for your errors, you earn the respect of your peers, teams and clients.
A single mistake won’t ruin a career, but a pattern of avoidance and dishonesty will.
Owning up to errors not only strengthens professional relationships but also solidifies a reputation for integrity and dependability.
A Final Thought
In construction, where the stakes are high and margins are thin, trust is everything. People who admit their mistakes, take ownership and focus on solutions build relationships that will follow them anywhere. The next time you make a mistake (because believe me, we all will), remember: covering it up erodes trust, but owning it makes you a person worth following.
Construction is cool, tell your friends.