You will fail & make mistakes!

Sharing a post I did on making mistakes: Here is what I wrote:

“Let’s have fun sharing HORROR stories.  Hoping my network will engage in sharing a story of failure or making memorable mistakes in their career.  It is important for young professionals to see that mistakes don’t crush -- even the best of us.

I frequently have the “Confidence & Perfectionism” conversation with young people just entering the workforce.   To AVOID FAIRLURE they focus on being PERFECT.  That’s exhausting!!

I tell them – “let’s just get this out of the way NOW…..you will make a big mistake ….you will fail.  That is guaranteed.  BUT…….when you fail you will THEN apply your strengths and skills and critical thinking to solving the problem.  That is within your capability, & you will learn and grow from it.

MY ASK -- of my network.  I know you are busy. 

Can you share one mistake you made and what you learned in the comments below?

I’m going to call out a few people I know who are very accomplished (hope you don’t mind), as it’s important for young talent/professionals to know that even the best have messed up or made a mistake or failed!

I will be the first to share one of mine from early in my career.  See in comments below.

Here was my story:

I was 5 years into my career.  I discovered a problem with our trade spend late on a Friday afternoon.  It was significant enough to highlight to the president.  So I went down the hall and told him the problem….(late Friday afternoon☹) with no proposed solution☹☹.  The reaction was not great and let’s just say this was back in the day, when yelling was not uncommon. (HR policies have come a long way😊) 

MY LEARNING:    Consider timing, but more importantly don’t take your boss a problem without a thoughtful proposed solution.   Even if the solution is not perfect, at least your audience can consider how to make it better with you.