Oops, I made a mistake! Now what?
What happens when you fall short of what you were accountable for? Do you pretend that it never happened? Or do you accept it, own it and correct it?
Well, it is completely okay to make mistakes at work as nobody is ever perfect — “to err is human”.
However, sometimes external factors like the environment at work may not allow for the vulnerability of individuals to express and accept their mistakes.
What can be done to create more accountability?
Three ways you can create a workplace culture of accountability.
- Set clear lines of responsibility and accountability
Especially in this remote working age, let employees know that they are trusted to do their work. Setting clear actions allows for clarity and transparency in the organization. It can empower people to do their best work and also reduce any chances of a blame game.
2. Leaders as role models
It is important for leaders to show that they have feelings, they change their minds, and they make and admit mistakes too. If leaders model this behavior, then employees will feel that they can do the same. Leaders need to communicate the existence of psychological safety in the organization.
3. Foster innovation and creativity
Organizations should encourage employees to be entrepreneurial and innovative in their work. This creates room for newer experiences and allows them to fail and make mistakes. Allowing for wider cross-cultural collaboration and freedom can let people know that they are all part of one big team and that they are trusted to perform their duties.
So, the next time you make a mistake at work, be genuine about it; show that you are a human. You might be surprised at how supportive your workplace can be, especially in such trying times.
The future of work is, after all, human.
