Mistakes are an inevitable part of leadership, especially in high-stakes environments like the fire service. For fire department officers, an error—whether in judgment, communication, or tactical decision-making—can shake confidence, both in themselves and among their crews. However, effective leaders are not defined by the absence of mistakes, but by how they respond to them. Rebuilding credibility, restoring trust, and reestablishing strong leadership after a mistake requires humility, accountability, and a renewed commitment to growth and service.
Acknowledging the Mistake
The first step in getting back to leading is acknowledging the mistake honestly. Denial or defensiveness only deepens the loss of trust. A fire officer who can say, “I made a mistake,” sets a tone of accountability and models the kind of integrity expected of the entire team. It is important to take ownership without shifting blame or offering excuses. When officers acknowledge their errors with humility and clarity, they humanize their role and show their commitment to personal and professional integrity.
Engaging in Transparent Communication
Once the mistake has been acknowledged, officers must engage in open and transparent communication with their crews and supervisors. This includes explaining what went wrong, what has been learned, and how similar mistakes will be avoided in the future. In doing so, leaders demonstrate respect for their team’s intelligence and experience, and they foster a culture where learning is prioritized over blame. Transparent communication reinforces psychological safety, allowing others to also feel comfortable bringing forward their own concerns and errors without fear of humiliation or punishment.
Taking Corrective Action
Words must be followed by action. Fire officers who take deliberate steps to improve—whether by seeking additional training, revising procedures, or involving others in decision-making—demonstrate a sincere commitment to excellence. For example, if a tactical misstep occurred during an incident, the officer might conduct an after-action review with the crew and integrate feedback into future drills. Taking corrective action also includes being more self-aware and using the mistake as a benchmark for improved performance moving forward.
Rebuilding Trust Through Consistency
Trust, once broken, takes time to restore. Fire department officers can rebuild credibility by consistently modeling the behaviors they expect from others: honesty, competence, reliability, and fairness. Small daily interactions—listening attentively, showing up prepared, giving credit where it’s due—build the foundation for renewed trust. Over time, these consistent actions can reassure team members that their leader is capable, self-aware, and dedicated to their shared mission.
Embracing Leadership as a Growth Process
Leadership is not a fixed trait; it is a skill set that evolves through experience. Fire officers who can reframe a mistake as a learning opportunity not only grow themselves but also strengthen the leadership culture of their department. When officers share their lessons learned with newer firefighters or peers, they create an environment where continuous improvement is valued over perfection. This humility and vulnerability, when balanced with strength and resolve, can make leaders even more respected and effective than before.
Conclusion
Fire department officers are held to high standards because their leadership directly affects safety, performance, and morale. While mistakes can temporarily disrupt their leadership standing, they also present an opportunity for deeper reflection, improved performance, and stronger bonds with their teams. By acknowledging errors, communicating openly, taking corrective action, and demonstrating consistent integrity, officers can regain trust and lead with even greater credibility. Ultimately, it is not the mistake that defines a leader—but the courage to learn from it and lead forward.
The Third Bugle 