What’s the first thing that comes to mind, when something goes wrong . . . when mistakes have been made? In leadership training, I was taught to look inward first. Others argue with me on that, but I find it to be pretty accurate.
Rather than immediately seeking a target for finger-pointing, I will check what part I played. Were my instructions detailed enough? Did I allow enough time? Did I inform everyone who needed to know?
Even if the error itself was that of someone else, I want to check how I could help prevent it, next time around. I can’t control what others will do. But I can always control what I do. When I meet with others to discuss the error, I admit what I would have done differently and ask what they would have changed.
The result is so much more fruitful than make accusations and putting everyone on the defensive. It’s a technique I believe in and have taught. It especially holds well if you are practicing servant leadership.
How do YOU react when things go wrong…when you make mistakes? Think about what you do . . . what you say . . . and how It affects those around you. Does it help prevent future errors?
If your technique has worked, keep it – And let me know what it is. If not, give it some new thought.
Show #421
I agree with you 100% — it’s the mark of a mature and seasoned leader when they can own up to their role in a mistake — or when they can be compassionate in helping someone who made a mistake learn from it instead of being crushed by it.
Having said that, though, it’s human nature to want to defend yourself, even when you’ve made a mistake. That’s all the more reason to be compassionate towards others. It can happen to any of us.
When I find an error – my own – I stand up and shout, “I screwed up!” Its much better than trying to find the “reason” I screwed up or trying to “explain” why I screwed up. And it’s much better owning up and getting it out in the open than trying to hide it. it’s also a learning experience…I look for WHY I may have made that mistake, no finger-pointing, so I can avoid it in the future.
Thanks, Karen. We seem to see it the same way. And the most beneficial part, as you said, is LEARNING from the experience. If you don’t learn, it’s an opportunity lost. Appreciate your comment.