Too often we make mistakes and spend so much time trying to hide the error or building our defense than accepting what happened, correcting the problem, and moving on. We are human. Errors are going to happen no matter how careful you are. No one is perfect. So, let’s understand a few ways we can accept accountability, remove embarrassment, and continue to move forward.
1. Own the Error. When we make a mistake at work, we first look at what happened. Was it my fault? Could this have been avoided? What did I do wrong? There is nothing wrong with any of these steps. However, do not dwell on figuring out the Who versus the What. You want to understand what caused the issue and how to keep this from happening again. However, the more time you spend building your defense is less time you spend correcting and addressing the mistake. Coming from the world of accounting, we accrue* for several expenses each month. One time I forgot to accrue a significant expense [probably more than once, full disclosure]. I saw the error the following month when it was too late to correct it. I investigated how I missed booking the accrual and put an additional step in place to make sure it does not happen again. Then, I went to my manager and explained that I missed the accrual from last month and proceeded to provide the steps I planned to take to try and remedy this issue. He gave his feedback on my course of action and we moved on. There is nothing we can do to change the past. While we do not want to consistently have these types of conversations with others, there is a certain level of respect and even trust that comes when a person can take accountability for their wrong and show how they can address and move forward. *Note: an accrual is the recording of payment or expenses (credit or debit) when earned or incurred versus when cash is exchanged. For example, your cell phone company recognizes revenue for your monthly service in June, the month they provided the service, even if you paid for the service in May. Make sense? Let me know if not.
2. It doesn’t matter whose fault it is. I used to have a manager that would ask “Who made the mistake?” if an error was presented to him. I would say that I did. Even if I was not the person who pushed the button or made the bad call. Mistakes are going to happen. However, if someone on my team made an error, it is now my error. So, when I present the issue – and the subsequent resolution – then I am also owning this error on behalf of my team. He knew that I was not the person who performed the act, but he understood and respected my course of action. I always wanted to make sure I was supported by my management, so I took the steps to ensure I was the type of leader that provided support to my team. Now, please understand, there is a difference between supporting your team through an error and covering up repetitive mistakes that should not be happening. These need to be called out and addressed. Possibly with some form of consequence.
3. Look for the lesson. Mistakes often happen because we are moving too fast, unsure of what to do, or just simply overlooked something. How the issue happened is not as important as what you learn from it. What steps are going to take to ensure you slow down and proof your work before providing it to someone else? What resources are you going to utilize to ensure you know what you are doing the next time? Take advantage of this opportunity, yes, opportunity, and put practices in place that will allow you to excel and be recognized positively in this space going forward. Make use of the mistake. There have been system checks, team calendars, and new processes put into place – all as the result of an error. Own the error. Don’t let the error own you.
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