Being Wrong Is a Leadership Superpower
Many leaders feel pressure to project certainty and confidence. But some of the most powerful leadership growth begins with a simple sentence:
“I was wrong.”
Andy Stanley captures this mindset beautifully:
“I love finding out I’m wrong, because then I know that I’m not wrong anymore.”
I often say something similar myself:
“I am the biggest barrier to my success. Finding out how I can be better is an opportunity to learn and make the changes I need to make.”
Being wrong isn’t weakness—it’s transformation.
Why Being Wrong Feels Hard
Being wrong triggers the brain’s threat-detection systems. Our identity feels at risk.
But great leadership isn’t about protecting ego.
It’s about growing beyond it.
Humility is not passive—it’s a strategic advantage.
Codie Sanchez: The Power of Contrarian Leadership
Codie Sanchez, known for her contrarian, question-everything approach, teaches a leadership principle that aligns deeply with intellectual humility:
If everyone agrees, dig deeper.
Your biggest blind spots hide your biggest opportunities.
Curiosity is more powerful than certainty.
Being wrong moves you closer to what’s right.
For Sanchez, great leadership begins with a willingness to challenge your own thinking.
Being willing to be wrong isn’t weakness—it’s leverage.
Being Wrong Shortens the Distance to Success
Leaders who embrace being wrong:
1. Learn faster.
New information replaces outdated assumptions.
2. Adjust faster.
No pride to protect—only progress to pursue.
3. Build trust.
Teams follow leaders who model honesty.
4. Create psychological safety.
Innovation thrives where mistakes aren’t punished.
5. Stop bottlenecking their team.
Ego slows progress; humility accelerates it.
Why This Skill Matters More Today
Modern leadership demands adaptability, emotional intelligence, and flexibility. The world changes too fast for leaders who cling to certainty.
The leaders who thrive are those who:
welcome feedback
question assumptions
stay curious
evolve continually
Every time you discover you were wrong, you gain the clarity you need to move forward.
How to Become a Leader Who Welcomes Being Wrong
Ask: “What if the opposite is true?”
A simple question that disrupts bias.
Invite disagreement.
Surround yourself with people who challenge your thinking.
Separate your identity from your ideas.
Ideas can change—you can still be strong.
Celebrate course-correction.
Adjustment is evidence of growth.
Reframe mistakes in real time.
Try: “Good—now I have better information.”
The Leaders Who Grow Are the Leaders Who Win
Being wrong is not a liability.
Being unwilling to be wrong is.
Leadership is not about always being right—it’s about being committed to what is right.
Where might you be wrong—and how much could change if you weren’t afraid to find out?