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The 5 most common mistakes I made as a leader… and what I learned

Yes, I made mistakes.

And if I'm honest, I did some of them more than once.

Not because I didn't care, but because no one teaches you how to lead people until you have to do it.

Here are 5 that marked my path:

1. Wanting to change everything at once.

With the best intentions, you arrive with ideas, with energy... and you want it all yesterday.
But teams aren't Excel spreadsheets or machinery. People need to understand, connect, and build with you.
Today I know that leading transformation is also about knowing when to push and when to listen.

2. Talking a lot… and listening little

I thought being a leader was about having all the answers.

And yes, he had vision, but he didn't always hear what the team was already seeing from their trenches.
I listen more today. And when I do it well, I always make better decisions.

3. Be gentle with those who needed limits.

I thought being “cool” would make me more approachable.
But I understood that leadership is also about setting clear boundaries, speaking up, and making difficult decisions.
There is no trust without structure. There is no respect without consequence.

4. Wanting to be in everything.

I thought that if I wasn't there, it wouldn't turn out well.
Delegating isn't about letting loose like crazy, but neither is controlling every move.
Today I value the art of trusting methodically.

5. Neglecting myself to be there for everyone.

There were times when I was empty, but I kept pushing.
Until I understood that leading is also about taking care of your energy, your clarity, and your stability.
A tired leader is a leader who makes bad decisions, even if he doesn't say so.

Have I learned? Yes. Am I no longer wrong? No.
But now mistakes teach me more than successes.

And if you are leading something (or someone), I just tell you this:
Don't beat yourself up for failing. Learn quickly, adjust, and keep going.

That's leadership too.
If you want to go deeper, I invite you to the three-day retreat of leaders' summit or sign up for a leadership workshop course, check out this website. Thank you for reading.