I received this fantastic question recently through my blog:

Hey Chris, 

I’m a big fan of your work with Dave Ramsey and love the EntreLeadership Podcast. Thank you for delivering such valuable insight on business and leadership.

I used to own my own business. But after taking a few steps back, I realized how many mistakes I made, from financial to hiring and firing to consistently leading my team to become true “owners” of their positions.

I’ve spent the last few years re-learning leadership, rebuilding trust with my family and developing my leadership skills by learning to be led. How do you know when you are prepared to forgive yourself for past mistakes and lead again? 

Thanks, Chris! God Bless.

First, I have to congratulate you on understanding that you might not have been the best leader. All leaders, and I mean ALL leaders, have to understand they have areas where they struggle. Being willing to actually face and fix those areas is a sign of a true leader.

Don’t look at this as a “twelve-step program to leading again. Instead, understand that as a leader it’s your job to make your team successful, not the other way around. click to Tweet

You seem to get this concept, so I definitely think you’re ready to lead again. But also know that beating yourself up over past mistakes is a waste of time. Learn from the past and move on.

No leader can be great if they can’t get over themselves. If it’s still an issue with you, then make sure you are sitting down with a great coach or counselor to get it all worked out.

Question: What would you tell our friend?