I made a mistake at work the other day. I missed the fact that there were 10 files attached to an email rather than just the 4 I saw. It is going to cause problems, but my boss might never have found out. I told her what I did and explained what problems it could cause, but I did not apologize for making the mistake in the first place. I've been at this job for less than 90 days and I'm worried that I may not have handled the situation well.
2007-07-13 03:09:12 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Admitting a mistake as quickly as you recognize it is always a good policy.
Everyone makes mistakes. But not owning up to them quickly and promptly (so damage control can be effected as soon as possible) is not acceptable.
No, your boss will not like hearing that something gummed up the works - but at least they KNOW something gummed up the works and they can help you fix the problems.
Had you just kept quiet - and the problems arose - it would have been a REAL mess - and your credibility with the boss would have been shattered.
2007-07-13 03:17:02 · answer #1 · answered by Barbara B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well generally i would say it's better to admit the mistake but in your case, you already talked to your boss about it, even if you didn't apologize. You dont have to, as long as they know why it turned out the way it did. You can if you want, just to be safe, cuz it might come to you later so why not just confess now. But if you feel like it's risky, then don't. It's up to your decision and what you think is the best. Personally, I think the fact that you already explained is enough. You dont need to go into detail, unless you want to or feel like it's better if you do. Good luck! hope you are safe :)
2007-07-13 03:20:57 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You handled the situation perfectly. You went to your boss and explained what happened. If she needed you to correct it, she would have told you how to do this in a proper manner. As a supervisor, i have more respect for someone that admits they made a mistake, fixes if they can, or tells me what happened so if i need to explain to someone else what happened i have the facts. To ignore it and hope nobody notices leaves the boss in a possilble situation that can't be fixed in a timely manner and handled properly. We are all humans and make mistakes. You will not be judged badly if you own up to it and ask for ways to fix it.
2007-07-14 04:09:12 · answer #3 · answered by pj 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is better to admit your mistakes. Everybody makes mistakes sometimes, it's human, and by admitting your mistakes you are being responsible. Also, the sooner you realize/admit that you made a mistake, the sooner you can react to try to solve the problems it may have caused. If you try to cover it up it gives the impression you are dishonest and irresponsible, plus the problem usually gets bigger if it's not dealt with right away, so I definitely recommend being honest and admitting you made a mistake.
2007-07-13 03:58:53 · answer #4 · answered by undir 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should probably admit your mistakes as soon as possible. First off you live with that feeling of fear that you did something wrong and nobody wants to have that. Its better to go tell your boss so u don't have to worry about it any more. And if that problem keeps on building and building you could have a catastrophe. Its better to just come clean.
2007-07-13 03:20:09 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can always approach her again and tell her that you were very flustered and embarrassed about the mistake that you made, especially since you are so new at the job. Let her know that you realize that you hadn't apologized and that you want her to know that you are sorry and that you will pitch in however you can to correct any problems that may arise from the original mistake. I think that she will appreciate you initiative. Don't worry too much about it. I used to be in a supervisory position, and trust me, we don't expect perfection in the beginning.
2007-07-13 03:20:36 · answer #6 · answered by lulu muffin 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mistakes do happen and mistakes makes you a better person in the world.
What is important is, what you learnt from it, how you handled it and how you make sure it does not happen again.
Tell ur boss frankly and also think you can recover lost files.
2007-07-13 03:18:24 · answer #7 · answered by Saket S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you did the right thing. While many folks will correctly say that it was the moral thing to do, I feel that it is the right "business thing" to do. Communication is essential to good business. If you were to hold your mistake back, in time, the error could have been traced to you and you would then have been failing to communicate in two instances.
Trust me, you did the right thing. You may feel some kind of way about making the mistake, but your conscience should be clear.
2007-07-13 03:17:15 · answer #8 · answered by Awesome Bill 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It happens, I think you did the right thing. Had someone noticed later and you hadn't said anything then it could really come back to haunt you. If the mistake can be resolved it's always best to fess up and also offer a solution to correct the mistake.
2007-07-13 03:19:31 · answer #9 · answered by thatgirl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it was a good thing that you admited your mistake rather than have your boss find out later and then you get into more trouble.
2007-07-13 03:18:07 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋