Shari Khan writes:
Why is it that most of us find it hard to accept that we can and will make mistakes?
As a coach and on my management programmes I've noticed that although we all make mistakes, there are essentially three ways in which people tend to respond to making mistakes.
1. Denying
2. Wallowing
3. Reflecting and moving on
These options about how we respond set apart those who are more resilient from those who get stuck. Luckily, if we choose to, we can change our responses and begin to see the value in mistakes.
When we are in the mode of 1. the denier, we are unable to look back and acknowledge that we have made a mistake. As 2. the wallower, we are mortified that we have made a mistake, filled with shame and remorse, we find it difficult to let go of these thoughts and feelings.
One of my mottos is that “life really is about learning”. This would be the outlook of 3. The resilient learner who looks back, acknowledges the mistake, reflects on what can be learnt for the future and moves on. This third response embraces learning and ensures future success.
If you or your staff keep making the same mistake or feel bad about yourselves and your work when you do, you are likely to be responding in modes 1 and 2.
Learning from a mistake is as simple as 1, 2, 3
Not surprisingly, most of us, me included, don’t enjoy making mistakes or errors. However, what I have come to enjoy is the knowledge that my mistakes can and do open up new understanding. By creating a work environment that accepts mistakes, we can move ourselves and others to mode 3 and on to future success.
Mistakes and errors may be reason to celebrate
Mistakes and errors can happen even with water tight plans. However excruciating they may feel at the start, mistakes and errors if dealt with correctly can be reasons to celebrate. Getting it right may well be overrated, I've certainly learnt more from my mistakes than when I've “got it right”.
Bio
Shari is the CEO at Trainsform. She helps busy organisations develop their culture and people. She also helps stressed managers and professionals regain focus and productivity and get their lives back.
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