I have been in my company just a year.

Anonymous

April 25,2023 at 12:49PM UTC

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I have been in my company just a year. In that year I have made great accomplishments, process improvements and even did further education. The last 2 weeks I have made some poor judgment calls on accounts which have cause some small losses. I am worried I will lose my job. I talked to my boss who said not to worry and these things happen. I still worry being he has little control on decisions made in the c-level. What am I to do?

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Paulla Fetzek, MSEdApril 25,2023 at 1:25PM UTC
It's easy for someone on the outside to tell you not to worry. But, this is what I'm saying to you. If you're concerned about the "mistakes" - take a moment to document the situation. Note what happened and what you recognize might have been options to improve .
Unfortunately, for most of the US work is "at will" - meaning you can be terminated at a moment's notice. I've been with my company 20 years now, and I STILL worry when I make a mistake. Although, I don't stress over the small ones like I used to.
You're human, and mistakes are going to happen. From your post I feel you own up to the fact you've made some, and are working to better yourself!
AnonymousApril 25,2023 at 1:49PM UTC
Thank you .
Maggie StoneApril 26,2023 at 1:33PM UTC
I used to beat myself up for every mistake. I sometimes still do, but I am getting better. Remember, it is rarely the mistake that matters, it is how you respond and react to it. I agree with Paulla about taking a moment to document and reflect on what led or contributed to the mistake so you have a balanced view.
AnonymousApril 26,2023 at 11:44PM UTC
Its true, the response is key. Thank you.
AnonymousApril 26,2023 at 2:33PM UTC
You are a human being, and human beings make mistakes. That being said, own up to the poor judgement calls and learn from them. If your boss says don't worry after you have admitted the mistake, then don't worry. Move forward in the best possible frame of mind. Worrying about what MIGHT happen is a waste of energy, and that energy can be put to better use.
AnonymousApril 26,2023 at 11:35PM UTC
Thank you for your kind words. Have to think positive. Today I went in with a positive mind.
AnonymousApril 27,2023 at 3:02AM UTC
Take a breathe. If you never made a mistake it likely means that you aren’t growing and learning. Did you make the same mistake or were they different ones? Did you talk to your manager about what you learned and what you are going to do so they don’t happen again?
AnonymousApril 30,2023 at 9:01PM UTC
2 were the same, 1 was different. Yes I explained to him what I would do different next time.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistApril 27,2023 at 3:58AM UTC
I would take your manager at their word and not worry about it. These things DO happen because you know what? People are human and they make mistakes. No one is perfect.
I would not bring it up at all - you're just putting an emphasis on something negative. Don't dwell on it - shake it off and focus on the future.
What would you tell your best friend if this happened to them? Give yourself the same grace.
GirlBossanova934974April 27,2023 at 12:57PM UTC
"Small losses" have not been defined here but if these losses are truly small, the C Level really does not concern itself with matters like this. Way too much going on these days!!!!
AnonymousApril 29,2023 at 11:33AM UTC
Its a large company. Loss under $13k.
GirlBossanova934974April 29,2023 at 9:49PM UTC
The best way to gauge a loss is to look at the loss vs. a day of sales at the company. If your company is making like >$1M plus per day, $13K is not much. You can probably come up with a few ways to figure out how to make up $13K with a cost saving idea or a revenue producing idea.
AnonymousApril 30,2023 at 2:26AM UTC
Yes good way of looking at it. I am being more careful.
Shelly EdwardsApril 27,2023 at 2:57PM UTC
If your boss has told you not to worry, there is very little you can do for the losses already made. Your company may have controls in place that account for smaller losses which are absorbed. The best thing you can is work with your boss and your team on the reasons the losses occurred and what changes you can make or safeguards you can put in place to mitigate the risk of additional loss going forward. C Suite executives don’t want to hear apologies unless you can present a solution at the same time. Figure out what went wrong to determine how not to let it happen again. That’s your best path forward.
AnonymousApril 29,2023 at 11:32AM UTC
Yes they care about the bottom line. We came up with some plans to mitigate moving forward.
AnonymousApril 27,2023 at 4:47PM UTC
Breathe, Focus and the fact that you acknowledged these things and your boss said these things happen means they have faith in you. Get over it, stay the course and ask what you can do for future improvement.
AnonymousApril 29,2023 at 11:31AM UTC
Yes exactly what he said. I am now being double triple careful. Im just work paranoid in general. Always fear I will be fired. I was at previous job over 15 years and always had the fear.
Susan MyersApril 30,2023 at 9:06PM UTC
It appears that you may have a confidence problem, I can related as I too am always fearful of making a mistake. I have always owned my mistakes which brought positive feedback or no judgement. The fact that you are concerned shows that you have integrity and want to perform well. It's hard to let go. I am my worst critic and very judgmental of my mistakes. Hang in there!!!
AnonymousApril 30,2023 at 9:47PM UTC
I definitely have a confidence problem. I am in therapy for this. I see others make mistakes that are catastrophic and not even bat an eye. I appreciate you.