Honest Leadership
This week we begin the third book of the Torah. The opening sections of the Book of Vayikra or Leviticus describe in precise detail the ancient rituals that occupied the priests in the Temple. A range of sacrifices were brought for different sins, or as thanksgiving or simply to connect with G-d.
It could be said that a mistake a day makes us human. There have been some days when I would be happy with just one mistake. No matter the frequency, we all make mistakes in both our personal and professional lives.
In many instances, our first response when confronting a mistake is to deny it or make up an excuse. We don’t want to seem stupid or ill informed. However, we must recognize the maxim that “to err is human.” Accepting this, we must have the self-confidence and integrity to admit our mistakes.
This week we read of a sacrifice brought by the Nasi the ruler of the Jewish people. If He made a mistake in ruling on a matter of Jewish law and caused others to stumble, he must bring a sacrifice and seek atonement. The verse reads Asheir Nasi YeCheta,” “When a ruler sins.” The Rashei Teivot (first letters) of these three words spell the word “Ani” which means “I.” And there we have it- so often the cause of a ruler’s sin is his pride and ego.
Should leaders admit or deny mistakes?
At the heart of the problem is trust. We want leaders we trust. If they are always getting things wrong, we will not trust them much. If they never admit a mistake, even when it is obvious, we will not trust them either. If we want to find a way out, we need to follow the Red Arrows (the RAF air display team) as best as we can. The most important part of rehearsal is the debrief after each training run. They ignore rank if the squadron leader messed up, they say so, there is no room for ego. The team effort is more important than the ego of one person. If the Red Arrows can get over the problem of seniority, then so can we all. Let us look forward to a time when leaders can set aside their egos in pursuit of a greater good.
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