“Anybody who doesn’t make mistakes isn’t trying hard enough.”
Chris Cox
Vice Principle of Philanthropy and Advancement and Executive Director of Development and Alumni at Edinburgh University
In the dynamic world of university advancement and alumni relations, mistakes are inevitable – but they also present invaluable learning opportunities. During a candid webinar on handling errors in leadership, Chris Cox and Clare Brownley, seasoned advancement professionals, shared their personal missteps and the lessons learned.
From addressing alumni deaths that didn’t happen to navigating donor relations with grace, the session highlighted how embracing mistakes can strengthen relationships, build trust, and foster personal growth.
“The best way to handle mistakes is to confess to them. Then you can enlist help to start fixing them.”
Claire Brownley
Director of Student Futures at Liverpool Hope University
Mistakes are not the end – they’re the beginning of new learning opportunities. As Chris and Clare shared, effective leadership is not about avoiding errors but about handling them with integrity and transparency.
By fostering a culture of accountability and reflection, teams can turn missteps into milestones. Remember: the way we respond to mistakes can leave a lasting impact on those we serve.
Like to watch the next Trials and Errors episode live? View upcoming episodes here.
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