We’re predisposed to ascribe the mistakes of others to negligence, laziness, or incompetence, while the mistakes we make tend to have more benign and self-serving causes.
Here are some points I try to reflect on when I see other people make “mistakes”:
- Start by assuming that everyone is trying to do the best work they can.
- Also assume that everyone, including me, makes mistakes.
- Assume that no-one enjoys making mistakes and that in future, people will try to avoid them.
- What I regard as a “mistake” may be an intentional choice that you made because you have information that I don’t.
- My priorities are not the same as your priorities; just because I think it’s important for you to focus on A doesn’t mean you shouldn’t focus on B.
I think it’s useful to consider these points every time I see someone make a “mistake”. It doesn’t resolve the issue but it does reduce the tendency to see the actions of others in the worst possible light. It also sets up a scenario where I usually recognise that I need to learn more about the conditions leading up to the decision. This opens a channel for discussion rather than blame.
This doesn’t mean that people don’t mistakes, nor does it mean that we can’t call each other on those mistakes.
But it does mean I try to pause before sending the email or making the phone call.
Can you think of any other considerations that might be useful to add to this list? What do you wish other people had thought of before they called out a “mistake” that you made?
Comments
2 responses to “Reflections on noticing the mistakes made by others”
Couldn’t agree more Michael. It is so important to pause, think or reflect, and contextualise before responding to what you perceive to be a ‘mistake’. Respectful communication, demonstrating an intention to see ‘the bigger picture’ will go along way in resolving and or correcting mistakes.
An example that springs to mind is how many teams are quick to blame management for perceived poor decisions. What is not considered is that management often have different information to this on the shop floors. I try to remember that very few people will act in a manner that intentionally harms others, and that there is usually a rationale for their actions, whether I’m aware of it or not.
Great advice in this blog.