No one likes to mess up, plain and simple. This can be especially true if you end up messing up at your workplace. If you just started your job, or have been there for years, you can relate to what we are going to discuss in this article. Today we are talking about how to come back when you make a mistake at work.
Own It
No one likes when they’ve been lied to or tricked, and the same goes for your boss. If you know that you did something wrong and other people have noticed it, it’s time to fess up. Your boss is going to respect that you came forward without being cornered. Plus, it shows that you care about your job and want to take actions to correct any problems you caused.
Apologize
The best thing you can do in this situation is to apologize to your boss and those affected by your mistake. Yes, sorry can’t fix everything, but it can help soothe annoyances and tempers. It takes a bigger person to admit that they’ve done something wrong and to apologize for it, be that person in your workspace.
Try To Fix It
If you need help from someone else in your company to correct your mistake, go to them. That could be going to IT if your computer malfunctioned, HR if you said something inappropriate, or billing if you accidentally bought something with the company’s credit card. Go to the people who can solve the problem that you created, and assist them in any way that you can.
Learn From It
We all learn from our mistakes. And, we all make errors in our workplaces. It’s inevitable. The best thing you can do is use it as a learning opportunity. To become better equipped at your job, and to know what issues to look out for in the future. Bosses are people too; they know that you are going to fail sometimes because none of us are perfect. Don’t believe the lie that they are going to fire and hate you because you messed up an email chain.
Be Aware
I know that I sometimes struggle with being super detail oriented, but at the job I do now, it’s super important that I am aware of everything I am posting and saying. Make sure that you are aware of what’s going on around you as well. Double check everything before you turn it in, ensure that you fully understand the requirements before you jump into a new task, and ask people for help if you are unsure.
Don’t Do It Again
Part of learning from a mistake is knowing not to do it again. Your boss might not care if you made an error in this area once, but they are going to be annoyed if you keep repeating a mistake you should’ve learned from.
In conclusion, we are imperfect humans. We are going to make mistakes anywhere we work, and lots of them. The best thing to do when you mess up at work, is to follow the steps I’ve outlined above. You will come out the other side of this mishap, and, who knows? Maybe this mistake will allow you to help others struggling in the future.
For tips on how to dress business casually for work, check out our article here.