How to react to mistakes?

Last Saturday we went on a day trip.

The intention was to hike along a beautiful beach and watch the birds visiting there. We started driving, and for some reason, the GPS led us to a dirt road.

As we drove the first road, there were puddles all over the road that grew larger and larger as we continued driving. It was scary, but we continued moving slowly across the puddles.

Until we reached a large puddle and thought we could make it as well, we underestimated its depth, and we got stuck.

Not knowing what to do, we started calling for rescue service and posting on a Facebook rescue group.

The reactions I received on Facebook were like: "Are you stupid? Who drives through a puddle with a sedan car?"

We made a stupid mistake, that is true, but the comments did not help us get out of this situation.

Long story short, we were rescued by a group of travelers passing by with a four-wheel SUV. They were friendly and saved us without a single judgment remark in a few minutes.

We thanked them and continued our day, reflecting on what had happened. We appreciate our situation that it could have been way worse. And discussed what we learned (never again drive into a puddle with a sedan car).

I also took the time to take pictures of the beautiful red anemones.

That got me thinking of situations at work, how quickly we judge others for their decisions and try to lecture them about why they did something so stupid.

That approach is demoralizing, condescending, and does nothing but bring negativity.

Instead, I recommend empathy, support, help to get out of a bad situation and reflect on what we have learned.

It is a much more effective positive, and enriching experience.

So next time someone makes a mistake (even it is, in your opinion, stupid), take a minute before trying to lecture them and consider a different approach:

Be empathetic - acknowledging that you understand it sucks to make a mistake and understand the situation.

Be supportive - Offer help, let them know you are there for them, and offer your support (emotional or something more tangible)

Share your authentic self and your weaknesses - "I have been there too; it happened to me as well." Sharing that they are not the only person that makes mistakes will make them feel better.

Only after the problem was solved, or the person calmed down and is in a better state offer the following:

Reflection - let's look at what happened, what have we done wrong what could we do differently next time

Advice - Ask the person if they would live to hear advice from you, and if they do, you can share some wisdom (in a supportive way, do not be condescending).

Next steps - What can we do to prevent mistakes like this from happening again?

Thoughts?

Let me know how you dealt with stupid mistakes yourself and your surroundings.

Happy Thursday,

Limor.