Mistakes aren't the issue. What you do with them is.
Here are eight (8) wrong approaches to mistakes that matter:
- Mad Monkey approach: Jumping around making loud noises and pointing fingers.
- Chicken approach: Brooding. Let's sit on these eggs until something ugly hatches.
- Possum approach: Let's play dead. Maybe they'll go away.
- Squirrel on Steroids approach: Trying harder and harder without adapting.
- Lounging Cat approach: It's not that bad, someone will deal with it.
- Tiger approach: Attack.
- Weasel approach: Blame.
- Sloth approach: We'll deal with this later.
Tough conversations are never easy, but necessary. Sooner is better than later with mistakes that matter.
Before confronting mistakes:
- Clarify. Get the facts. What really happened?
- Deal with emotion. Never confront while you're mad, hurt, or pointing fingers.
- Plan the conversation. Write down main points. Confrontation almost never goes as planned but plan anyway.
- Determine desired behavioral results. What needs to be done?
- How do you want people to feel when you're done? Establish emotional outcomes.
Attitude toward mistakes:
Pursue better. Seek better, rather than perfect. Arrival is a myth. "You don't have to go all the way to bright, just make things better." Doug Conant, author of TouchPoints.
Four words that change everything: "I Made A Mistake"
When discussing a leadership mistake and the first thing out of their mouth is, "I made a mistake." Boom! Everything shifts.
Futures emerge after mistakes are owned, not until. Mistakes anchor life in the past until you say, "I messed up." You look strong when you own mistakes.
Tip: Own it; never excuse it.
Source: Dan Rockwell
