EPISODE 26 (50) COME CLEAN - how and why cover ups can be career-damaging

Andrew looks in some depth at this critical issue than can impact your ability to succeed at work.

He introduces quotes from Michael Jordan and a successful entrepreneur to show how success can stem from learning from failure. 

He also looks at how minor mistakes can lead to big disasters, as in a Nasa probe that went wrong, by using two different scales of measurement.

His main message is don't try and hide your mistakes at work, everyone makes them. What matters is how you deal with them. 

That includes admitting them and not hoping that no one will notice. Also the importance of taking steps to rectify an error and reassuring your colleagues what you are doing to avoid a repeat in the future.

Despite the horrible name mistakes at work generally acquire, they can still sometimes prove a good friend.  Though it will be unwelcome, your mistake at work could signal where you may need to learn or improve. 

 Andrew admits that hiding or not admitting to your gaffes can be tempting. You may hope and pray that it may never catch up with you to damage your prospects. 

Beware, he warns! In most organisations, the big mistakes and even small ones almost always surface at some stage. 

When you cover up your mistakes, and they get discovered, your colleagues and senior colleagues might never trust you again.

If the mistake is down to you, take ownership of it by the three most crucial damage limitation steps. Andrew then spells out what to do about it.

Choose carefully he suggests, between coming clean soon or staying silent and paying the price. When in doubt, breathe, ramp up your courage and come forward sooner rather than later.

All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better.

Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, and there's also an Audio version.

Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow-through material which you can find for each episode at

www.myhappinessatwork.com/reading/categories/research-reading

and

www.myhappinessatwork.com/watch.

BOOK:
The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.

www.myhappinessatwork.com/book