We all make mistakes – it’s just a part of living! Assuming that these mistakes are not truly serious, life changing ones, then what separates us is how we deal with them. Dealing with the consequences of mistakes, learning from them is both character forming and broadens our experience base. Not acknowledging or dealing with them is character defining, leading to the impression of unreliability or not caring.

Adequately putting a mistake behind us is a good thing- prolonged dwelling on them can negatively impact our psyche and ultimately our wellbeing. Words, actions and decisions cannot be undone, mistakes can be emotionally stressful but they can be dealt with- the process is quite straightforward once the resolve is made. There are a number of considerations –

• Its nature? Does it only affect me; are others impacted; are there relationship issues; financial impact…etc.
• What is its magnitude? Putting it in perspective is important. If it is a critical one can it be discussed with a neutral third party or some suitably qualified individual?
• What was the root cause? Poor decision making; insufficient understanding; lack of information; third party influence? This is the heart of the learning process
• Can its impact be rectified, repaired, minimized? What actions need to be taken if any?
• Digest the output of these considerations and decide whether some intervention is appropriate- as opposed to “letting sleeping dogs lie”. After further reflection take the necessary actions.

Perhaps an apology is required, some modification to our behavior, rethinking our approach to certain aspects, taking advice, improving analytical skills and decision making …. etc. Maybe it is just a case of swallowing hard and accepting the consequences.

One point to be very clear upon is not to compound the mistake in anyway – through denial, procrastination or taking ill-considered action. Repeating the same mistake over again is not good as this is becomes perceived as a character trait.

Perhaps the best thing to come from a mistake is the awareness and learning associated with its remediation – people normally feel positive towards those who acknowledge and deal with error. The easiest, least painless way to learn from mistakes is to learn from those made by others. If you can help others learn from your mistakes then that is also a positive.

Of course, being able to deal with mistakes is strategically important, personally, with respect to fulfilling our life’s direction. People may limit themselves, not challenge themselves or take up opportunities for fear of making mistakes. This becomes less of an issue if you are comfortable in dealing with them.

For organizations, creating a culture of ambition, innovation and progress is crucial and nothing kills it quicker than ridiculing mistakes and generating a fear of failure. Those capable of handling situations when things go awry are often the role models for future success.

For my part, I have learned about

• the value of personal protective equipment (PPE) by forgetting my shin pads as an 8 year old
• investing by making ill considered decisions and losing money
• strengthening the relationship with the most important people in my life by listening and saying sorry
• becoming a better manager and leader by making mistakes, listening to feedback, accepting mentorship and recognizing “ I don’t know what I don’t know “

To be sure none of us are done with making mistakes but we can try to minimize their frequency and consequences and maximize our learning as we continue our journey through life.