Why does admitting you're wrong feel like losing authority? Why Strong Leaders Can Stop Defending Themselves: true courage isn't just speaking up — it's staying open without defending yourself. In this episode, I explore why "I was wrong" might be the strongest thing a leader can say, using the four dimensions of the BEMA™.
There's a quieter form of courage that rarely gets named: the ability to hear something uncomfortable without immediately explaining, denying or defending yourself. Defensiveness starts as protection — it keeps our sense of self safe in the moment — but over time it blocks feedback, damages relationships and stops leaders and teams from growing.
In Season 26, Episode 35 of Unbox The Podcast, I explore why staying true to yourself doesn't mean staying loyal to every past opinion or decision, and how "I was wrong" can be one of the strongest things a leader — or anyone — can say. Using the four dimensions of the BEMA™, I break down how defensiveness shows up in the body, emotions, mind and action, and why the courage to be wrong might be the missing piece in how we define real leadership.
The extended reflection on this episode — including full research and sources — is available on my Substack.
© Sahar Huneidi Palmer
Strategic Clarity Mentor | Bilingual Bestselling Author | Podcaster
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