The Best Way to Handle a Mistake in Four Steps

In the workplace, you’re bound to make a few mistakes throughout the course of your career. Unfortunately, these mistakes happen, whether we like it or not. Many individuals may feel nervous about owning up to a mistake or beat themselves up over it, but it’s actually what you DO about your error that is the most important. What’s the best way to handle your next mishap at work? Try these four steps:

Admit to the mistake: One of the worst things you can do after you’ve made a mistake is to try and hide it. It may seem like the easiest way out of the situation at the time, but it will only make matters worse. Instead, it’s best to simply own up to your mistake and it will show that you can take some responsibility. When admitting to your mistake, however, avoid making excuses or getting defensive, as both of these will lead to less than favorable responses from your boss. Just own up to your mistake and your employer will be much more understanding and will appreciate your honesty.

Have a plan ready to fix the mistake: This may be the most important thing you can do to rectify the problem and it will make a world of a difference on how your boss reacts. Having a potential solution ready to present will show your boss that you understand the severity of the error and are willing to fix it immediately. This is important for your boss because he/she want to know that you understand what went wrong and that it will never happen again. Regardless if your boss chooses to implement your solution or comes up with an entirely new one, he/she will respect that you’ve given it some thought and taken initiative in the first place.

Correct your mistake: This may or may not require you to work with your boss. There are two possible scenarios: either your boss will approve your solution and ask you to follow through or he/she will take the steps necessary to solve the error themself. Whatever the conclusion may be, be sure to follow up and let your boss know you are willing to do whatever you can to help.

Explain how you plan to ensure it doesn’t happen again: It is extremely important to prove to your boss that you understand what happened and how it happened, and that you’re equipped to keep it from happening again.