Monday, September 14, 2009

E-Tip 233 - 5 Tips for Properly Handling Mistakes

How a leader handles mistakes can make a big difference on an organization's morale. If a leader is able to handle mistakes tactfully but effectively, everyone involved can grow from the experience. Otherwise, employees may become afraid of making mistakes which will lead to less productivity and creativity.


Fostering creativity by handling mistakes in an appropriate manner will allow the organization to look to the future rather than be stuck in the past using tried-and-true methods. To help you better handle mistakes at work, here is a list of tips for you to follow.

5 Tips For Properly Handling Mistakes:

1. Be An Ally, Not A Bully - To avoid putting the person on the defensive, make sure they know that you are on their side. Start the conversation with a positive attribute or accomplishment that you have noticed about the employee. This will help put the person at ease, reduce anxiety and make it easier to have a conversation about the mistake that needs to be corrected.

2. Be Objective - Be sure to focus on the facts or the problem and not the character of the person. Remember, there are two sides to every story so give the person a chance to explain what happened from their point of view. You may find out something that was previously unknown. Also, gaining different perspectives on an issue will help you get to the root cause of the problem.

3. Be Solution-Oriented - Once the problem has been identified and discussed, moving on to a solution-oriented conversation will help you both make progress. Ask the employee for suggestions on solutions to the problem. Working on a solution together with your employees will enhance their commitment to the outcome.

4. Be Supportive - Many people need to be reassured after they make a mistake. They may need to know that it is okay to make a mistake as long as they are doing their best not to repeat the mistake in the future. Furthermore, it is important for the employee to feel valued as this will contribute to the employee's commitment to the organization and its success.

5. If All Else Fails - If an employee is making a large number of mistakes it is likely that the employee is not a good fit for that particular role in the company. At this point you should talk to the employee to ascertain their strengths and weaknesses. After an assessment you can then decide whether to move the employee to a different role in the company or look for a replacement.

The 5 Competencies For Handling Mistakes:

1. Communication - A great leader advances the abilities of individuals and the organizations through communicating openly and often.

2. Conflict Resolution - A great leader creates harmony in stressful interpersonal situations and brings people together who have been separated by their differences.

3. Interpersonal Skills - A great leader displays a consistent ability to build solid relationships of trust and respect inside and outside the organization.

4. Human Resource Management - A great leader is able to manage employees well.

5. Leadership - A great leader drives business results by aligning the vision, mission and values to enhance business value. They are able to enlist the willing cooperation of others, while tapping into their highest skills and abilities, to achieve desired results.

Summary: Taking corrective action is integral to the progress of an organization. While it is not easy, it can be done in such a way as to minimize damage and maximize future output. Always remember that there are two sides to every story and be sure to get all of the facts before confronting an employee. Also, address the employee in private except when appropriate to address a group of employees as a whole.


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