By: Phill Trewyn, Senior Account Executive
In 1962, the British record label Decca auditioned two young up-and-coming bands, one of which it signed to a contract. The signed band was named Brian Poole and the Tremeloes.
Decca dismissed the other group, reportedly because company executives asserted they “had no future in show business.” That band? The Beatles.
Out of tune or out of touch, people make mistakes. It’s inherent in our humanity. Wrong decisions or actions are made – big and small, personal and professional. There’s no magic wand or magic guitar chord that can prevent them.
While consequences of our mistakes can vary in extremes, it’s how an individual or organization reacts to them that can be as impactful as the miscue itself.
Honestly assessing how a mistake occurred and honestly taking ownership, either as an individual or as an organization, can go a long way toward salvaging reputation and perception among others.
Equally important is being open to the responses that others may provide upon acknowledgement of a mistake. Perhaps this is the most crucial part of getting past a mistake and its impacts because it’s an opportunity to learn how others perceive you or your organization. It’s an opportunity to not only try and make things right, but to become better at what you do moving forward.
No one wants to make a mistake. When they happen, though, it is an honest and thoughtful response coupled with focused determination on becoming better at what you do that will help move past the mistake quicker and easier.
