When leaders fail, trust and respect are lost. The task before leaders is learning how to regain what they lose.

Consider three negatives: 

1. Do not try to ignore or deny failure. 
2. Do not attempt to cover up the failure.
3. Never blame someone else for it.

Instead, four positives are needed: 

1. Admit the failure. 
2. Specify the failure. 
3. Ask for forgiveness.
4. Give a step by step plan for overcoming the failure.

More could be considered, but a simple upfront approach is where healing begins.