Comments on: Little Things are Big Things at Work

By: Nicole Crimaldi

Nicole Crimaldi — Tue, 04 May 2010 17:18:43 +0000

I was definitely one of those rookies too. I don’t know why it took me so long to take little mistakes so seriously but now I have a very different view. Regardless of what field you are in, you can’t use the “I’m just not a details type of person” as an excuse if you want to stay employed.

That’s great you’ve never repeated a mistake- I bet a lot of people couldn’t say that.

Thanks for coming back and commenting again

By: Nicole Crimaldi

Nicole Crimaldi — Tue, 04 May 2010 17:17:23 +0000

Oh Heavens Rob!

By: Nicole Crimaldi

Nicole Crimaldi — Tue, 04 May 2010 17:17:06 +0000

And YES- I’m so happy we met too! I hope all is well out west!

By: Nicole Crimaldi

Nicole Crimaldi — Tue, 04 May 2010 17:16:45 +0000

I agree- it’s so important to digest the mistake. This is the first time I’ve really taken the time to do that, and it will undoubtedly change my perspective and quality of work in the future.

By: Aimee

Aimee — Mon, 03 May 2010 22:45:43 +0000

I’m glad I made that mistake that day because it brought me to this blog! I felt silly google-ing “what to do when you make a big mistake at work” but it just proves that there is no such thing as a dumb question. Thanks for all your advice, Nicole!

When people make mistakes at work the first thing they think is “how can I fix this fast.” While coming up with a solution and being a quick thinker is great, I think it is also important to reflect on that mistake and why it happened in the first place. This will help you to improve career-wise and it might lead you to improve on company procedures, policies, etc.

By: Rob

Rob — Mon, 03 May 2010 16:52:37 +0000

My biggest workplace mistake was commenting on a female co-workers frizzy hair one Monday morning. I didn’t hear the end of it for a week. Never again!

By: Jen

Jen — Mon, 03 May 2010 16:43:05 +0000

Nicole, thank you for this post! You have no idea (or maybe you do!) how many “rookies” in my office undervalue mistakes. Their position is “I’m human, I’m not perfect, mistakes happen.” Granted that is true, but I don’t think it should be an excuse to make a mistake and shrug it off! People need to realize mistakes at work are serious — as you say, a customer relationship is riding on it — and try their best to be consistently mistake-free.

Personally, I’ll admit I’m not perfect. In my five years at my current job, I have made mistakes, but I have learned from each one, and I have never repeated a mistake. I think that is crucial. I have a reputation of being reliable, straightforward and detail-oriented. My managers know that I will cover every base.

By: Nicole Crimaldi

Nicole Crimaldi — Mon, 03 May 2010 15:51:34 +0000

Srini, Being present is a very valuable skill in life and deserves it’s own post. This is how those amazing “how does she do it” types get it all done. If anyone is interested in taking the concept of “being present” to the next level, check out Eckhart Tolle’s “A New Earth.” It may be too deep and spiritual for most but it is a great workout for your brain.

By: Srinivas Rao

Srinivas Rao — Mon, 03 May 2010 15:18:06 +0000

Nicole,

I would say my biggest mistake was to act without thinking. Granted, I’m still somewhat impulsive, but since I get to do stuff on my own now, I’m less concerned with that. I think your point is well taken. If anything, I’ve learned that freaking out and focusing on your mistake is not the solution. I learned that from a music teacher when I was practicing for a solo performance. The problem with dwelling on mistakes is that it results in more. I think slowing down and being present really are the two keys to avoiding big mistakes. The more in the moment you are the less likely you are to make even small mistakes.