HANDLING MISTAKES AND THEIR VALUE

When an employee makes a mistake, some bosses rip and roar, ostracize, give the silent treatment; and make people feel they were being disloyal – all bad strategies which corrupts team cohesiveness and effectiveness. To err is human. What makes the difference is how we adjust from there. Loyalty to the team is very important, but the boss I mentioned in the beginning is actually the one who is disloyal and corrupting team cohesiveness and effectiveness.

When I was in flight school and made a mistake, my flight instructor would say, “Okay, let’s not make that one again.” Most of us learn from our mistakes and that improvement is a most valuable product. As for my flight instructor, and I knew he had my interest at heart – was on my team. He taught me how to fly and a lot about leadership.

Mistakes are teambuilding learning experiences which present opportunities for individual growth and strengthening the team.