There is a distinction to be made between neglecting or acting inappropriately on purpose and making a mistake that you were unaware you were doing or that you had hoped would have a different outcome. However, despite your best efforts, there is always a chance that you may mess up, and you will be responsible for the repercussions of your actions. If the situation was bad enough, you risk losing your work as a result of it.
How do you get back on your feet after making a mistake that might get you fired from your job? What are some strategies you can use?
The following is a discussion in which members of the Forbes Coaches Council provide their perspectives on the sorts of errors that might lead to the termination of an employee's job. Check out the suggestions they have for recovering from one so that you don't end yourself in such an unpleasant situation.
1. Misappropriating the Resources of the Company
In certain businesses, wasting company resources may lead to termination of employment. The most important step in getting over this error in judgment is to reframe the situation as a learning experience that opens up new doors for you to enhance your performance as well as your judgment. When a scenario is analyzed with the goals of gaining knowledge from it, understanding the assumptions that led to a choice, and creating the circumstances for better decision making in the future, the conditions are created.
2. Missing Key Details Or Misunderstanding Tasks
If you fail to pay attention to critical aspects or misinterpret the work that has been assigned to you, this might result in missed opportunities, wasted time, and even significant income losses. Depending on the nature of the situation, it may constitute grounds for dismissal. A decent method to recover from an error is to say something along the lines of, "I will commit from now on to paraphrasing and summarizing the work you are asking me to complete to ensure that we are both on the same page." This is in addition to offering the customary apology. Demonstrate to them how you will carry out the plan in practice.
3. Using Shortcuts When Overwhelmed in Situations
People have a tendency to see themselves as having either more or less than what is necessary. When individuals are under too much pressure, they have the option of cutting corners in order to get back on track or catch up. By skipping a step in the process, they run the risk of compromising something that they have not adequately evaluated, which may be detrimental to the team or the organization. To get back on track, you need to have a realistic outlook, take responsibility for the overlook, and acknowledge that the vulnerability calls for more attention.
4. Conducting Oneself in a Disrespectful Manner
Being rude in your phrasing or in the way you handle the situation may quickly lead to you being dismissed from your job. The most effective technique to recover from a setback is to apologize unequivocally and take full responsibility for any inappropriate conduct or words you may have shown. Make no excuses. Find someone to help you manage your urges and then ask for their assistance. If the incident was brought to public attention, it is likely that an apology must be made in public as well. Make careful to indicate the means through which you want to prevent making the same error again.
5. Not Appearing for a Prearranged Meeting
A prospective sale, a project commitment, or an internal or external customer might be significantly harmed if an important meeting that was scheduled but not attended is missed. But it occurs. You may be able to make up the time and complete the assignment despite the fact that it will be more difficult for you than for them. If the assistance of other people is necessary, then you will need to make amends in some other demonstrable manner. Determine what went wrong, and make the necessary adjustments to your schedule as soon as possible.
6. Having a Negligent Attitude Towards Maintaining One's Integrity
In my opinion, there is always grounds for termination when an employee displays carelessness with regard to their integrity. Having integrity implies taking responsibility for your actions and making amends for them. It is intolerable for a corporation to put the blame on others, engage in obfuscation or make excuses, or distance itself from its fundamental principles. Only in the event that someone can provide evidence that they were behaving against their own free will is there any chance that the decision will be reconsidered.
7. Transmission of Private Information through Email
It may be disastrous to communicate sensitive information through email with the incorrect recipient. To make things right, you need to approach it from an authentic stance of honesty and responsibility. Notify your supervisor as well as any other individuals who may be adversely affected by the error so that appropriate measures may be taken. If you feel that an apology is necessary, you should provide one. Your genuine motivation will earn you grace, not just for yourself but also, ideally, compassion from others around you.