How is “I made a mistake” and “I was wrong” Different

Greeting!! Somewhere along the way, our culture has come to accept the phrase “
 I made a mistake” to be the same and acknowledged as “I was wrong.” No wonder the phrases “I’m sorry. I made a mistake” is so common today. Think of it, how many times have you heard a leaders, fathers, priests and even children offer this kind of an explanation for something they have done?

Got caught fudging the numbers? It’s easier to say

“I’m sorry. I made a mistake”

Told a lie? Easier and cheaper to say

“I’m sorry. I made a mistake”

Had an inappropriate relationship?

“I’m sorry. I made a mistake”

Here is the point though, the phrases “I made a mistake” is different from “I was wrong.” Both are clearly different and are not even close. For such reason, we must recognize and appreciate the he differences between them so as to protect our integrity and character.

Here are 5 important distinctions between making a mistake, and doing something wrong.

1. A mistake is an honest error involving facts or miscalculating an outcome.

Doing something wrong involves a moral failure.

2. A mistake can result from attempting new initiatives.

Doing something wrong can result from knowingly crossing a clear

3. A mistake can be a learning opportunity resulting in growth.

Doing something wrong can lead towards the erosion of character.

4. A mistake can indicate there is an area of competence that requires development.

Doing something wrong can indicate there is an area of character that requires development.

5. A mistake is something that leaders should never fear.

Doing something wrong is something leaders should shun completely.

For leaders there are important ways that understanding these distinctions can enhance your leadership today.

• If you tried something new and it didn’t work out? Own it. Acknowledge the mistake, learn and move on.
• If you committed a breach of ethics, don’t call it a mistake. Let people know you were wrong. Fix it, and learn from it.

Everyone makes mistakes. But not everyone does something wrong and calls it a mistake. The difference sounds minor, but the implications are significant.

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