We all make mistakes. No one is perfect. It’s how we respond to our mistakes that really matters.
So what should you do when you realize that you’ve made a mistake at work? Psychotherapist Barton Goldsmith offers the following recommendations:
- Admit that you’ve made a mistake – If you make a mistake, own up to it. It’s the right thing to do. You shouldn’t try to hide it. Trying to cover up a mistake often takes a lot of time and energy. And it will only cause you to feel anxious and upset about the possibility of being found out. It’s much better to simply be honest about your mistake, and focus on how to fix it.
- Don’t take shortcuts – When you’re trying to fix your mistake, make sure to do it the right way, even though it might take a lot of work. Don’t try to take a shortcut or quickly slap a Band-Aid on the problem. That approach will probably only cause more issues to arise later. Instead, put in the work and do it right.
- Say you’re sorry – If there’s someone you need to apologize to due to your mistake, make sure to tell that person that you’re sorry. Your apology will be appreciated. And the person will certainly respect the fact that you’re taking responsibility for the mistake and working to fix it.
- Don’t be too hard on yourself – Don’t beat yourself up about the fact that you’ve made a mistake. It happens to everyone! Try to let it go and move on.
…
Goldsmith, B. (2021, November 14). Barton Goldsmith: When you make a big mistake. The Sun. Retrieved from: https://www.lowellsun.com/2021/11/14/barton-goldsmith-when-you-make-a-big-mistake/
