We all say mistakes are a part of learning. Or at least many of us do, as individuals.
But how many organizations actually act that way?
Too often, people are punished for systemic errors. So, problems get hidden.
When problems are discovered, blame is assigned instead of learning being shared. And we wonder why our teams hesitate to speak up.
That's why I created a simple new resource:
The Mistake-Smart Leader's Checklist
[Download it here]
What It Is
This checklist distills six key behaviors I've seen repeatedly in leaders who foster Psychological Safety, continuous improvement, and real cultural transformation.
It's inspired by my Shingo Award-winning book The Mistakes That Make Us, and by conversations I've had with 200+ leaders across industries–from healthcare to startups to bourbon distilleries.
Whether you're a CEO, team lead, coach, or continuous improvement professional, these six behaviors will help you:
- Make it safer to talk about problems early
- Learn from mistakes instead of burying them
- Strengthen engagement, trust, and accountability
Why It Matters
If you've followed Lean Blog for a while, you know how often I write about systems thinking and respect for people. Creating a culture where people feel safe to speak up is foundational to both.
This checklist is meant to be a quick-start tool:
You can use it as a team conversation prompt, a coaching framework, or a reminder on your office wall.
And if you want to go deeper–into the stories, science, and real-life leadership lessons–I'd of course invite you to read the full book or reach out to explore speaking or training opportunities.
Interested in workshops or speaking engagements where I can help inform and inspire your team? Email me: Mark@MarkGraban.com
As always, thank you for being part of this learning community. I hope this resource helps you and your team keep getting better–mistakes and all.
Let me know how you use it.
Please scroll down (or click) to post a comment. Connect with me on LinkedIn.
Let’s work together to build a culture of continuous improvement and psychological safety. If you're a leader looking to create lasting change—not just projects—I help organizations:
- Engage people at all levels in sustainable improvement
- Shift from fear of mistakes to learning from them
- Apply Lean thinking in practical, people-centered ways
Interested in coaching or a keynote talk? Let’s start a conversation.
