Messing Up at Work
Theme of the Week: Nice Recovery!
Steve Marr
Saturday, August 9, 2003
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Q. What should I do when I goof up on the job?
A. If we try to sweep our mistakes under the rug, eventually we'll trip over the lump and make matters worse. When we admit our shortcomings to our coworkers, we benefit in three ways.
First, we lose our fear of looking bad. Everyone makes mistakes. We really only look bad when we try to cover them up. Coming clean takes all the pressure off.
Second, we create opportunities to learn from our mistakes and avoid a repeat performance. When we're open about our errors, we can invite others to give us constructive input to help us learn and grow.
And third, we gain the respect of coworkers. People usually know when we've messed up anyway, so why not admit it?
We also need to admit our mistakes to our customers. Never ask your customer to bear the consequences of your mistake. Start with an apology, not an excuse. Ask how you can make amends, whether by refund, replacement, or a price adjustment. Most people will forgive an honest mistake, but dishonesty and excuses are reasons why customers leave.
Then, identify one or two things you can learn from the experience. What went wrong? Do you need to adjust your plan or change course completely to avoid the problem in the future? Then follow through and implement any changes. If a customer is involved, share your commitment with him.
We often learn more from our failures and disappointments than from our successes.
Steve Marr, former import-export firm CEO, hosts the Business Proverbs radio show.
Adapted from Business Proverbs (Revell, 2001) by permission.
Copyright © 2003 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.
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Lord, don't allow failure to paralyze me. Let me hang on to You until I experience Your deliverance.
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