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Should I tell my manager that I messed up?
I have been working in this new company for two months now. As a content editor, I have to follow a protocol when I am approving or blocking articles. I have to also make sure that the writer knows where he/she went wrong, and take an informed decision. This is my first big job, and I messed up a little. I didn't follow the protocol for an article, and approved it when it clearly should have been dumped. It was a filing error, and I am sure that the Customer Care department would handle it. But, should I inform my Manager about my mishap? Or should I just wait before someone points it out to me? My father often tells me that mistakes while working do happen, and that we should not think about it much, but learn from it. But he also tells me to be tactful while working. I think I should wait rather than telling my manager that I did an error. What do you guys think?
Celeste Good
46
10/27/20 at 6:19PM UTC
You’re right to inform your boss about the mistake, but what I find difficult for many women is to move on from it – completely. Do not allow it to haunt you and moreover, don’t allow it to morph into a cancer on your self-esteem. Many of us internalize a mistake into messages to ourselves like, “I’m not qualified for this position,” or “My boss thinks I’m awful,” and many other self-defeating messages. Stop that!
Instead, tell yourself positive messages like, “That was very brave of me to own up to that mistake,” and “Well, I’ll be sure never to do that again!” Be kind to yourself and you’ll find that the mistake was really a fantastic opportunity to become a better, more confident professional.
Cindy OnyekweluSoftware Engineer in San Antonio
18
10/26/20 at 9:54PM UTC
Just inform your manager that your aware of the error and list the steps in how you are currently resolving the issue.
ErinSenior Operations and HR Leader
28
10/26/20 at 9:10PM UTC
Definitely own the mistake. Never throw anyone else under the bus especially if the mistake is not 100% yours. The truth will come out eventually based on performance if this is an ongoing mistake by others. We have all made mistakes!
Victoria Abrams
17
10/24/20 at 1:49AM UTC
I have always thought more of employees or co-workers that were forthcoming about mistakes. You gain trust when you immediately own up to your mistakes. It will not be your only one and you grow and learn when you make mistakes. You sound like someone who cares so I am sure everything will work out.
Kristin JohnstonSenior Digital Marketing Lead
64
10/23/20 at 11:34AM UTC
I say absolutely as well. We've all been there - the respect you receive by being honest and owning up to it far surpasses any uncomfortable moments. Likely the mistake is smaller in reality than the fear and worry in your head as well. We're all human - your manager will appreciate that ownership and dedication to continuously doing better.
Nidhi VichareDirector - Data Engineering Leader
71
10/21/20 at 1:20AM UTC
I loved the fact how this tribe comes together to help. I truly agree that honest is the best policy. It also helps you sleep well at night and removed unwanted anxiety.
Jasmine
129
10/20/20 at 7:58PM UTC
I would own up to it. You don't want it coming back to bite you one day and it will set the cadence for future mistakes. It always takes courage to do so. Most days, when I owned up to my mistakes, my boss would always thank me for doing so and would explain the errors of the why. Mistakes happen and we should learn from them!
Anonymous for a day
449
10/20/20 at 7:49PM UTC
I would do what you can to fix it and then notify your manager. Find out who can take the article down and have them do so.
Stephanie DufnerCommunications professional
250
10/20/20 at 7:13PM UTC
As others have said, always own up. It shows integrity, humility, and a willingness to learn.
Holly Hall
12
10/20/20 at 6:37PM UTC
I have always owned up to mistakes. Agree with many of the above comments. I had a situation years ago where I made a mistake, owned the mistake right away and the client appreciated it and valued me that much more. It doesn't always work out that way, but I felt better and we all learned from it.
I also think some things don't warrant notice. If it can be corrected and everything moves along, then maybe it doesn't need to be said.
You know best. Go get em!
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