In my observation …

The best leaders learn from their mistakes.

They improve. They develop strengths and minimize weaknesses. They ask forgiveness, receive grace and move forward in spite of their past or their shortcomings. They attempt to do better the next try.

Poor leaders dwell in their mistakes.

They run from them. They attempt to control others reactions to them. They pretend they never happened. They try to hide their flaws and weaknesses. They let the future be determined by regret rather than by grace. 

Which scenario more closely resembles your story?