One of life’s most prominent teachers is our mistakes. Anything “good” I can do in this life is only because I’ve most likely done it wrong enough times to learn how to do it the right way, i.e. fixing our home appliances. 
If another person is involved in our mistake, confessing the error to them can go a long way toward reconciliation and growth. Owning and sharing a mistake can also help others feel empowered and encouraged to overcome their missteps.
If we learn from our mistakes before we move on and “bury” them, that can be good. If we unearth them, learn from them, and allow others to learn from them, then that can be even better. It becomes a win-win-win.
Don’t polish the mistake too much and try to call it something it isn’t. Details can be spared to save face of others without excusing yourself from fault. But leave a little dirt on there. Be authentic. Be transparent. Don’t waste your mistakes. Others will trust you and respect you when you lead humbly.
