How
do you respond to mistakes and errors? Amy Gallo (2010) notes in the Harvard Business Review that the “now
what?” after a mistake, turns a potentially “permanent career mark” into “organizational and personal learning.” Do
you see mistakes as an “essential part” of “innovation” and growth? Or, are you
tempted to hide them?
Fess up and be transparent: individuals and organizations have the
opportunity to make important behavioral changes before moving on.
In
one case study, a missed deadline cost an organization a key grant. The correct response was immediate transparency
with leaders, supportive bosses and development of a plan for new funding.
Amy
Gallo urges problem solving instead of
blaming and finger pointing. Think of transparency and openness as good
business. P-R ethics are not a burden, but rather professional best practices.
