So you’ve made a mistake on the job. Big or small, you’ll need to own up to your error. Some mistakes that seem minimal can cause a ripple effect and have an impact on your entire team. It’s important to address the issue as soon as possible, and do it in the right manner. But how can you make sure you confess tactfully? We’re here to show you how to admit to it the right way.
1) Do It Now
It’s human nature to delay and procrastinate. One of the fastest ways to magnify your mistake is to postpone it. You can’t anticipate what consequences will result from your mistake – client backlash, product recall, anything can happen. Therefore, it’s vital to you to start by admitting the error as soon as you realize it, or as soon as you can. This can neutralize any long-term issues and prevent fallout. Always remember it’s better to get yelled at and have things out in the open. You don’t want a small issue to multiply into a critical error that wreaks havoc on your organization.
2) Don’t Make Excuses
The last thing you want to do is try to blame others when you’ve made a mistake. Take ownership of your responsibilities, and your supervisor will respect your honesty and leadership potential. Your boss knows that it takes maturity and character to confront your errors. When you’re relaying the mistake, keep it simple. Start with an apology; tell them what exactly happened, and how you will rectify the situation. This leaves no room for miscommunication. It also helps to explain any steps you’ve taken to guarantee this same problem doesn’t happen again.
3) Prevention is Key
Do some brainstorming, alone or with the team. How can this mistake and others like it be prevented in the future? Take steps to recover and determine what changes need to be made. Outside perspectives can be helpful, so get in touch with colleagues and explain the issue thoroughly to see if a new opinion can help you solve the concern. Keep things professional and work together with your team to identify potential crises and be proactive instead of reactive.
Ready for more tips?
For more tips on how to handle tough situations and navigate your career, contact the professionals at Job Store Staffing®. As a top Colorado staffing firm, we can give you career insights and potential leads if you seek to expand your horizons. Contact us today!