How do you own up to your work mistakes?

Question

Whether big or small, how do you respond when you've messed up on a project or task at work?

Katie Malone · Answer

Owning it. Not making an excuse. Asking or planning/strategizing on how it can be fixed. Again, do NOT make an excuse as to why you did it or why it happened. And above all, don't throw anyone under the bus or point fingers.

Anonymous · Answer

I tend to apologize and see how I can correct the issue. Mistakes are human and they always help you grow for future. So if you don't acknowledge and fix them, you won't grow as a professional.

Anonymous · Answer

Absolutely. I think communication is key and owning up to work mistakes is the best way to put the right foot forward after having to take a step back.

RoseG · Answer

first things first apologize and see how u can correct it, you have to take the initiative  that although it was a mishap it can still be rectified. That's what supervisor and bosses look at. the Hussle /effort team puts to make things functionable.

Natalia · Answer

If myself or someone on my team or project group just identified the mistake the first thing I do is say ' I take full responsibility for x,y and z. Let me go see if I can now______ to correct this and quickly.' However, if I discovered my mistake on my own, I try to see what are some options to correct it & then notify my team &/or upper management, here is what happened & here is how I'm correcting it. When I have handled it like this, they understand. It's more about speaking to what actions you are taking to correct it than apologizing/ saying sorry.

Crystal Rhineberger · Answer

I have  always been a full blown “totally my fault and may I fix this?”
With the honest “I will not do this again and with your support...”

How do you own up to your work mistakes?

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