According to the Business Class blog of American Express, mistakes can have a positive effect if you learn from them and teach your team how to work effectively with them. Here are some tips on how this is done.
Face up to your mistakes
The basic rule is that you should serve as a role model to your team. If you make a mistake, don't try to make excuses, don't downplay or even hide it. Admit to the mistake openly, face the consequences and solve the problem in an effective and transparent way.
Do not let mistakes go too far
In order to show your team how to deal properly with such situations, you should not let mistakes get out of hand. Many people tend to ignore mistakes until they become a major issue; however, you should try to deal with them as soon as you become aware of them before they assume enormous proportions.
Talk about your mistakes and what you have learnt from them
Be frank about your mistakes. Discuss them openly and show your team it pays to face up to mistakes properly. Also, and this is important, you must show in practical terms what you have learnt from the mistakes and what systemic changes you will introduce to prevent a recurrence.
Do not criticise team members for making mistakes
For team members to admit to their mistakes and talk openly about them, you yourself must learn not to criticise them for these mistakes, which should be regarded as an opportunity for growth and learning.
Create an open, friendly environment where mistakes are discussed
Your long-term goal should be to create an environment where mistakes are seen as an opportunity and team members are not afraid to admit to mistakes; on the contrary, they are willing to share with their colleagues what they have experienced and learnt.
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