(One simple process to turn mistakes into momentum—and build trust while you're at it.)

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Morning Minute 5/23/25:

“Your Problem-Solving Process That Builds Trust!”

Let’s be honest—we all make mistakes.

Some are small and contained. Others disrupt teams, customers, or operations. And some are catastrophic, with consequences that ripple far and wide.

If you’re a leader, handling mistakes—yours or your team’s—is part of your job. Here's a five-step process I coach leaders to follow every time:

1. Identify the Mistake – Be clear. What happened? Who or what was affected—people, processes, products?

2. Own The Mistake – Whether you or someone on your team made the mistake, say it plainly: “I made a mistake” or “We made a mistake.” Own the problem and the responsibility for solving it.

3. Analyze the Causes – Mistakes rarely come from one issue. Often, a series of causes or events contributed. Look deeper: What failed—people, systems, timing, or communication? Don’t stop at the surface.

4. List the Solutions – There’s always more than one way forward. Think through each option and how others might respond. Be prepare to adjust if needed.

5. Execute and Adjust – Pick the best path and act. Be ready to adapt. If others are tasked with the solution, ensure they follow this same process. That’s how you grow future leaders.

Handled Right: Johnson & Johnson, 1982​
Seven people died in Chicago after taking cyanide-laced Tylenol. CEO James Burke acted fast. He recalled 31 million bottles, warned the public on national TV, and didn’t stop until a solution was in place. He saved lives—and the company’s reputation.

Handled Wrong: U.S. Withdrawal from Afghanistan, 2021​
The departure was chaotic. Lives were lost. Bagram Airbase was abandoned. This retreat was worst debacle in US military history. To this day, no one in leadership has taken clear responsibility. No accountability. No learning.

The difference? One leader owned the moment. The other dodged it.

As a leader, you don’t get to choose whether problems happen—only how you respond.

“Your Problem-Solving Process That Builds Trust!”

That is today’s Morning Minute!

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What about you? Have you faced a tough leadership mistake recently?

Hit reply—I’d love to hear how you handled it.

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Here are some recent Morning Minutes you may have missed with thought-provoking ideas, actionable instruction, and/or interesting stories for you, Your family, and/or your team!

​"What You Tolerate You Get More Of!" Do you ever wonder why we achieve the results we get? Discover 3 seemingly unrelated groups and how that each group is affected by the results of the other groups. Learn how to change this dynamic in order to have better children, stronger teams, and more trustworthy leaders!

​"Why Do ALL Children Need Fathers?" Today's Morning Minute discusses the importance that fathers have in the life of a child. Discover some of the symptoms of families with no father in the home. Learn the many roles that fathers perform and how that children are disadvantaged growing up with no father. Discover how both boys and girls, and their mother, have their lives enriched by having a strong principled father at home.

​"How Much IS One Life Worth?" Compare your reactions to the loss of life in any one or all 3 of these scenarios? Discover the impact of abortion on our people, our country, and/or our families. Learn of the negative consequences the U.S. has endured following the1973 Roe vs Wade Supreme Court decision. Understand that every abortion ends a life.

​"Knowing Isn't Enough...Life Rewards Action!" Gaining knowledge as you get more information is a passive activity. Because life rewards action, knowledge is of little use without action. Discover how to use the knowledge you have gained to make a meaningful impact. Learn how that courage, humility, and resilience help you be the change you are trying to create!

​"How SERVING While SELLING Creates SUCCESS!" Retrace the journey that my wide and I took to replace her leased SUV. Learn from the mistakes that were made by salespeople and managers in our journey to replace her vehicle. Discover the 4 keys, that when properly utilized, will turn today's buyers into lifelong clients as you gain repeat business, get referrals , and achieve long term success!

​"What You Measure...You Master!" See why Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are essential to making progress toward your goals. Learn why if you are not measuring your KPIs, your just guessing. Discover 4 examples of industries where measuring KPIs provides you with the knowledge to take the required actions to achieve your goals.

There will be no Morning Minute on Monday as I will be undergoing an eye operation on Friday, tomorrow.

We hope you have a strong finish to this week and an enjoyable Memorial Day weekend!

May God bless you, your family, and your team!

Larry A. Bonorato 864-630-2625 lab@larryonlearning,com