How to Recover From Making Mistakes at Work

Making a mistake at work can cause anxiety and affect your productivity. Reflect on the issues and speak with those affected when feeling embarrassed or nervous. In the process, you will show leadership and give co-workers an example of integrity to follow.

By Timothy Mably

It can be a challenge to recover from making mistakes at work whether you’re in the process of starting a new job or you have been in your current position for a while. However, learning to navigate and grow from errors can be an opportunity to demonstrate a strong work ethic. By providing coworkers with an example to follow, there is a route to grow in leadership skills.

Mistakes either represent work performance in a negative light or can show your ability to improve with time. Basic mistakes, like sending an email to the wrong person, can be noted and avoided in the future. Other errors have more weight. Everyone makes mistakes but it is up to you how it will reflect on your professional reputation.

Relax and Reflect

Give yourself time to relax and reflect before stressing out. You will not be equipped to resolve the issue if you are overwhelmed. A problem may initially appear larger than it is. It may not immediately register how much of an impact that a simple mishap could have. Either way, reflect on the mistake to evaluate how to best proceed.?

Founder and CEO of Inspiration at Work, Alexandra Levit, suggests that asking yourself questions such as "What is the problem, specifically?” and “Is this objectively a problem?” Understanding the problem reveals the best way to address it. Remain level headed and seek understanding before resolution instead of panicking. A clear perspective prepares you to speak with your boss or those affected by a mistake without any additional anxiety.

"What is the problem, specifically?"

"Is this objectively a problem?"

Take Responsibility

Taking responsibility for a mistake sounds worse than it is. In reality, co-workers or your boss might gain respect for your integrity when admitting an error. By addressing the issue you will relieve yourself of the burden.

Ultimately, it is best for this information to come from you directly. You have the chance to come forward and honestly explain what happened, before it appears you are hiding your mistake. The scope of the error determines if this requires an email or a formal meeting.

Hold yourself accountable without making excuses or rationalizations for the mistake. Use a professional tone when you communicate if it requires an apology. Transparency and leadership can be rare, so it might make you stand out from co-workers. If you are representing a team and are not entirely at fault, consider the nuances of the situation and approach it fairly based on what a supervisor expects from you.

As stated by CEO of Marlene Chism Inc, Marlene Chism, on a LinkedIn Learning Blog post, “Decide to show up as one who has character. You are willing to take ownership. You are willing to fix it if possible. You are willing to learn. Don’t start making excuses, and don’t blame. Don’t become defensive, even if you feel scared."

Responding with mistake ownership shows character. Responding with fear makes you look unprofessional. Your intentionality and willingness will speak for itself.?

Be Proactive

Go into a meeting with ideas for how to correct a mistake. Just as you explained the situation to your boss, you should have a straightforward solution and be ready to implement it. This step might come before you address what has happened to a supervisor.?

Chism says, “Be prepared to offer your support and go above and beyond to show your appreciation and willingness to learn. Tell your boss you are willing to share what you learned with new team members so the business can avoid a similar mistake.”?

If the mistake is easily repeatable by co-workers, consider an appropriate way to offer critique. Chism goes on to say, “If you have determined that the reason the mistake happened is due to a lack of training, now is the time to bring this issue to the forefront.”

You can continue to show leadership qualities and address the core issue by offering solutions. Your boss may recognize that you are looking out for yourself, but also have co-workers’ and the company’s best interest in mind.

Your approach to fixing your mistakes can set you up for success going forward with an employer. It might seem intimidating to admit a mistake and be vulnerable in how you accept responsibility. It could take a while to recover depending on the problem. However, you may earn your boss or co-workers’ trust in the process when proving you can learn from the past and be better.?

Top Takeaways

How can you recover from mistakes made in the workplace?

• Upon realizing the issue, relax and reflect to remain grounded, understanding the mistake for what it is.
• Take responsibility with your boss or coworkers, either in the form of an email or a scheduled meeting.
• Apologize if you need to, without deflecting and blaming others.
• Be proactive and consider solutions to ensure that the mistake will not be made again by yourself or others.