Admitting Mistakes
Everyone makes mistakes from time to time. The linked Harvard Business Review article is, in my mind, more about making mistakes than changing behavior.
According to the article, the main focus of confronting someone who made a mistake is:
- Identify the problem
- State what needs to happen
- Offer to help
This does make sense and the article goes into detail about what to do and what not to do.
For me, the more important management issue is to admit when you are wrong early and often. It sets an example. The worst thing you can do is attempt to pass the blame or even worse cover it up. By admitting to your mistakes, you give your employees the freedom to do the same. As the boss, if something goes wrong, you need to know about it as soon as possible. If everyone is following your lead and passing the blame or attempting to cover up their missteps, it only delays your ability to take corrective action.
Remember, you’re only human. You will make mistakes. I’ll give my three rules:
- Admin your mistake
- Learn from it
- Move on
Sources:
Original article from Harvard Business Review: https://hbr.org/2015/10/a-simple-formula-for-changing-our-behavior?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=hbr&utm_source=twitter
Image Source: The Met Collection. “Laughing Fool” by Werner van den Valckert ca 1612. Etching.
