Everyone makes mistakes, but when you make one (or several) at work, the consequences can be especially detrimental. First, don’t panic. If you lose the trust of your colleagues, your boss—and worse, yourself—there are several steps you can take to undo the damage.
We asked a corporate life coach for insightful tips on overcoming the most common and problematic work mistakes. Their advice can help you effectively manage your day-to-day workload before errors sideline your career.
Mason Farmani, intuitive personal and corporate life coach at Farmani Coaching
Most Common Work Mistakes
Workplace issues can severely impact performance and well-being, yet many of us aren’t aware of our missteps until it’s time for a performance review. Get ahead of issues before they become ingrained habits by doing a quick self-assessment. According to corporate life coach Mason Farmani, two of the most common mistakes include habitual tardiness and failure to meet deadlines. Read on for more workplace missteps to watch out for.
Ineffective Communication
Make it a point to listen, communicate clearly, and never make assumptions. “The purpose of all communications should be so the listener can hear clearly and understand what is being conveyed,” Farmani says. “We often speak as if we are talking to ourselves and not to the listener. We should also be aware of when disagreements with coworkers and bosses hinder effective communication, causing inefficiencies in the company.”
Feeling Entitled
When you feel entitled (or worse, unappreciated), your attitude can quickly become toxic to the workplace. “We all make the decision to apply for and accept a position; once we are in the position, be grateful for the opportunity,” says Farmani. It’s also true that your employer should be grateful to have you, but some employers consider the compensation package to be a reflection of their gratitude, says Farmani.
“Lacking engagement or initiative can foster feelings of isolation and reduced job satisfaction, as employees may feel disconnected from their responsibilities and undervalued,” Farmani says. “These issues can undermine confidence and contribute to burnout, negatively impacting work performance and mental well-being.” While you may not be able to control the overall work culture, you can maintain a positive attitude as best you can while you’re there.
Are You Paid What You’re Worth?
Doing Things Only Your Way
“Every company has its own policies, protocols, and procedures. You must follow them or discuss your suggestions for changes with your superiors and decision-makers,” says Farmani. Unless there is a written agreement for changes, Farmani says to always follow the company’s established protocols, because if you don’t, the results could be held against you.
Also, when project instructions are not followed correctly in favor of doing it “your way,” this could result in errors that require time-consuming revisions, says Farmani. This work mistake causes both productivity setbacks and feelings of frustration. “Neglecting small but crucial details can lead to bigger issues later, creating a persistent worry about the quality of one’s output and job security.”
Not Speaking Up
Not speaking up has consequences, even if you think you’re keeping the peace. For Farmani, one common example is not asking for clarification on something for fear of looking bad—but looking worse when the results fall short of expectations. Also, and perhaps more importantly, “not speaking up when you are being abused or mistreated will permit the cycle to continue,” says Farmani.
How to Recover From Your Mistakes
If you’re struggling with mistakes at work, it’s important to take deliberate steps to recover. Fortunately, some fixes are relatively straightforward. For example, if you haven’t been following project instructions carefully, be more diligent to avoid those mistakes in the future. In more complex situations, try these expert recommendations.
Step 1: Take Accountability and Be Proactive
Mistakes happen to everyone, so put that in perspective to limit your sense of shame. However, along with a lack of awareness, lacking accountability when you do mess up can be a big issue. “Assure that mistakes are not being made, and when they are made, assuming responsibility prevents further waste of time for the company,” Farmani explains.
Farmani says to take matters into your own hands by asking for feedback and reviews when appropriate. “By actively seeking feedback and clarification, professionals can ensure they are on the right track and maintain their professional credibility.”
Start by figuring out the reason for the mistakes internally and externally, understanding that accountability ends with yourself. Farmani says that openly admitting an error fosters trust with colleagues and supervisors.
Step 2: Seek Input From Colleagues
For some scenarios, seeking input from colleagues can offer valuable perspectives on improving and avoiding a repeat error. “Reflecting on the mistake [with colleagues] to understand its underlying causes and learning from the experience is also crucial for personal development,” Farmani says.
Step 3: Immediately Correct the Issue
Next, Farmani says to promptly address any issue by implementing corrective measures to fix the problem. “If you are not sure what the appropriate measure is, ask your boss for recommendations to minimize any adverse effects. This may involve revising the work, informing those impacted, or making changes to prevent similar mistakes in the future,” says Farmani.
Step 4: Maintain a Constructive Attitude
Recovering from a mistake might take some time, but don’t get discouraged. “The most important step [in resolving a work mistake] is maintaining a constructive attitude. Individuals can preserve their confidence and resilience by focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on the error,” says Farmani. “This positive approach not only helps in recovering from mistakes but also in advancing professional skills.”
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