Being human makes us imperfect, but learning how to handle our mistakes can make us wise. We all make mistakes, most of which are unintended, but some of the most stressful mistakes we make are at work. Learning how to handle these errors with poise and integrity will help you be the best you can be in stressful situations.

Here are a few tips to follow:

• Don’t ever try to hide your mistakes; this will prolong the action of fixing the problem. The sooner the error is revealed, the faster a solution will be remedied.

• Do bring an explanation and a few possible solutions to the table and offer to do all it takes to rectify the situation.

• Don’t ignore your mistakes; they won’t go away and may fester until a small problem becomes much more significant.

• Do take full accountability and apologize to all that it may have affected. But, remember, your mistake was just that, a mistake. It wasn’t personal, so give a sincere apology and put your efforts into what’s best for the team.

• Don’t become defensive and never place the blame elsewhere; instead, own up to the mistake and take responsibility. This shows integrity.

• Do forgive yourself – you made a mistake; it happens to everyone, and when we face our mistakes head-on, we can learn from each blunder and prevent repeated errors.

Mistakes will happen, and yes, they are hard to face, but having a plan to address each mistake humbly, with accountability, and integrity will help provide the wisdom and strength needed to tackle each slip-up along the way.

Answers from A to Z