HOW TO HANDLE MISTAKES AT WORK
HOW TO HANDLE MISTAKES AT WORK
When an employee makes a critical mistake, it can be extremely difficult to handle.
Getting angry and showing your feelings may be the common reaction, but it doesn’t solve the problem.
You can point out that the goal is to fix the problem and prevent the mistake from happening again in the future. You can outline simple steps to take when there are mistakes at work.
Providing entrepreneurs with strategies on how to handle mistakes, will motivate them to go back to their businesses and implement these new policies that will help their businesses.
The key is to teach entrepreneurs and business owners how to stay focused on the end goal of fixing the mistake and preventing it from happening again in the future.
1.Apologize if you need to
If you need to apologize for your goof, do it swiftly and briefly: No excuses. No justifications. Don't flog yourself verbally, Just acknowledge the error and move on. Honestly, people are usually so preoccupied with their own goals, projects, and issues, they’ve probably forgotten all about whatever you did wrong by the time you reach this step!
2. Analyze the problem
Before you make an apology or react at all, analyze the problem and determine possible solutions to rectify the situation. If you're able to address the problem on your own, take immediate action. If you need outside assistance, determine the appropriate person to speak to. Then, devise a clear description of what happened and express your appreciation for their help. The quicker you come up with a solution, the greater chance you have of avoiding punishment and potential repercussions.
3. Keep things in perspective
Despite the sense of embarrassment that can come from making a mistake, control your emotions before acting or speaking. With the right attitude and headspace, it's easier to resolve mistakes in a professional manner. Keep calm and avoid making a scene.
4. Adjust your work style
As a working professional, it's important to find a routine that's conducive to your overall productivity. After you've made a mistake, it's more important than ever to consider a change in your work style. For example, if you consistently miss early morning meetings, set an earlier alarm so you're ready to go by the start of your workday. Improving your focus via other tactics like proper exercise also helps.
5. Be honest
When you make a mistake, be upfront about it. Provide your manager with a brief but truthful description of what happened. Make sure to speak in a clear and concise manner so they understand your concern and the situation at large. When you're honest with your manager or employer, it allows them to trust you with future projects and endeavors.
6. Have a private meeting with your boss
If your mistake resulted in severe consequences, consider meeting with your boss privately to speak about the matter in further detail. This allows you to have a sit-down conversation where you can take responsibility for your actions and give them a clear depiction of what happened. If you've already said you're sorry, a private meeting allows you to reiterate your apology. Remember that your boss knows mistakes are only human.
7.Consider how to prevent mistakes in the future
While there's no way to avoid mistakes forever, take actionable steps to prevent the likelihood of them occurring later on. Consider what went wrong in your last mistake and what to do to address a similar situation in the future.
STRUGZ can help your organization in creating and delivering people practices which develop and maintain positive working relationships. We are a Public Relations, Legal, Business Management and Training Consulting Firm, with a passion to help your organization improve in employee relations.
Contact us today:
Email: info@strugz.com|www.strugz.com
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