Dealing with screwups
How do you react when you mess up?
I have changed dramatically in this regards over the years. When I was young I would always defend my corner. There was always some reason why it wasn't my fault. I would argue black is white.
However, over the years I have come to realise that is the worst possible approach and these days I have been known to take the blame even when there really is a good reason why it wasn't my fault.
The reason for this change? - I have learn't that people appreciate honesty and hate bullshitters.
Take for example my most recent screwup. I was supposed to be speaking at a conference in Liverpool yesterday. It was a big opportunity for me because it is a big conference made up almost exclusively of potential clients. Unfortunately, for some reason I had put in my calendar that it was today and not yesterday despite the fact that the organisers had very clearly put in their emails when I was speaking.
I could have argued that this was not the date we originally agreed on the phone, but I suspected that was not the case. More than likely I had screwed up. Even if I hadn't what would be the point of arguing? All I would do is put up the back of the organiser.
I could have lied and said I was ill or the car broke down but I believe ultimately that will come back to bite you. I am just not that good at lying. I can never keep my story straight :) Also I don't think it is that easy to pull the wool over people's eyes.
And anyway, I have learnt over the years that people appreciate honesty. I called the organiser and grovelled my apologises. Sure enough he was extremely gracious and even rearranged the talk for today.
But words are cheap. I wanted to do more. I was therefore more than happy to do the 10 hour drive there and back to make sure I met my obligation and have also recorded a video of the talk so that the conference can distribute it to anybody who missed it.
I am not saying all of this to make myself look good. After all it was in my interest to attend, and publishing the video will allow me to reach a bigger audience with my talk.
My point is that as a society we are too quick to pass the blame and seem rarely to admit we screwed up. So I ask again, how do you react when you mess up?
