Experiencing blunders in the workplace: What's the proper response?
Mistakes are common, even in the workplace. They're not the end of the world, but how you handle them can make a big difference. If you slip up, like missing an appointment, making the wrong agreement, or saying something unfortunate, it's essential to stay cool-headed and react cautiously. A poor response can often make things worse than the mistake itself.
Leadership coach Dina Denham Smith provides some tips in a "Harvard Business Manager" article on how to deal with mistakes effectively.
Own up to your mistake
Denham advises acknowledging the mistake as soon as you realize it. This limits the potential damage and allows you to take control of the situation. It also shows that you're aware of the issue, preventing any awkward situations where others might point it out first.
An honest apology, admitting the mistake and accepting the consequences, can be beneficial. It's important to put yourself in the other person's shoes and avoid becoming defensive. After all, this is about clarifying the situation, not about you.
Move forward
After addressing the issue, explain what you've learned and how you'll change your behavior in the future. Following through on your words is crucial to preventing the loss of trust in the long term. Denham suggests showing your progress whenever possible.
Lastly, don't be too hard on yourself. Mistakes happen, so treat yourself the way you'd treat a friend. Self-compassion helps regain clarity and confidence, and helps you bounce back from a setback, Denham says.
Employees who make mistakes and follow Denham's advice can demonstrate their accountability and professional growth. By admitting their errors and outlining their plans for improvement, they demonstrate their employment as responsible individuals in their respective roles.
Furthermore, an employee who owns up to their mistakes, learns from them, and shows self-compassion is likely to maintain their employment for a longer period due to their strong work ethic and resilience.
