How to Recover from a Mistake at Work

We will all make a mistake at work.  It is inevitable, and whether it is a small error or a major flop, it is essential that collegiettes know how to recover.  Here are some basic steps to improve the situation and to show your boss that you are eager to improve: 

1.  Don’t make any excuses

Acknowledging your mistake is the first step. Don’t start the conversation by providing an excuse or reason for your error.Boldly say, “I did X, and I will do everything in my power to make sure it does not happen again.” Then you can provide your boss/manager/etc. with your thinking process behind the mistake. Or, if you just screwed up, simply say that. Your boss will respect the fact that you are taking responsibility for your actions, even if it gets you in trouble.

2.  Express your desire to redeem yourself

After talking through your misstep, ask if there is anything you can do to either rectify the situation or do damage control. If your mistake affected a client, offer to call him or her and personally apologize; if it affected a co-worker, apologize to him or her in person. The fact that you are willing to go out of your way to improve your slipup will impress both your boss and the people who receive your apology.

3.  Improve communication

To prevent a future mistake, make sure the communication lines between you and your boss and you and your colleagues are open. Most errors are due to a miscommunication, so the more frequently you talk with your co-workers, the more you will understand what they expect, and the more likely you will be to go to them for help.

4.  Learn from your mistake

Try not to make the same mistake twice.  Really think about what made you commit the error in the first place.  Were you careless?  Did you misunderstand your instructions? Did you really just have no idea what was expected of you?  Be sure to identify the weakness that caused your slip, and work on it.  Believe it or not, the people around you will notice your effort and improvement. 

5.  Trust yourself

Last but not least, don’t beat yourself up. We are all human, and everyone makes mistakes – including your boss. Don’t start to second-guess everything you do. There is a reason you got the job, so don’t think your one mistake means you don’t deserve to be where you are. Take a deep breath, and move on. 

Sources:

http://smallbusiness.chron.com/cope-making-mistakes-work-19362.html

http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2012/06/14/5-quick-steps-for-managing-work-mistakes

Photo Sources:

http://theofficeprofessional.com/making-best-work-mistake

http://garytray.wordpress.com/2010/08/06/recovering-creditability-after-a-work-mistake/