How do you cope with mistakes at work and how frequently do you make them?

[Ilaariaa]

Does anyone else go through patches where you keep making mistakes at work?
It feels like over the last two weeks I keep making mistakes or discovering mistakes that I made months ago that have resurfaced.
Today just before going home I realized I gave the wrong instructions to a client on how to fill out a document and it might cause issues if there is a random inspection. They would have to pay a fine to re-issue the document and we would have to reimburse them. Basically I gave the client the standard instructions to fill out the document, and didn't realize this particular situation had different requirements. I should have known but it just didn't cross my mind at that time.
I'm fairly new at this job, I've been here for a year but about six months in my current position. It is also a very complex job with endless different situations and caveats, and I'd never done this particular task before.
I want to warn my team leader that we could have this issue, but it feels like I've had to tell her about a mistake I made every day this week and I'm embarrassed.

 

[heretoreaditall2019]

I want to warn my team leader that we could have this issue, but it feels like I've had to tell her about a mistake I made every day this week and I'm embarrassed.

This is the right approach, let your manager know so they can fix the situation both with the client and internally if it escalates. Let them know how you’re feeling as described in this post & if they’re a good manager, they’ll support you in getting back on track. And if not, you’re better off out of there anyway!

Don’t let it upset you, you’re doing the right thing in coming forward about it. I promise the worst thing is to conceal things at work, as a manager I really don’t care if someone makes a mistake as I am not expecting perfection. But I really care if someone is devious or selfish to the detriment of others/the team/the business.

 

[qqwertyy]

Your manager would prefer to know than to find out later down the line. Everyone makes mistakes and if you own it and learn from it then it’s all good. Try not to let it worry you too much.

 

[Codiaeum]

Definitely be proactive about communication - a potential problem spotted early is much better than a real problem communicated too late!

Everyone makes mistakes and frankly, being 6 months into this position, you are still very new to it, especially if it's a role with changing requirements and you even said you didn't do this specific task before. It takes some time to not only be reacting at work and being comfortable in anticipating stuff simply because you have seen it before or just knowing what happens.

 

[pinkmug]

I find that owning up to the mistake before the consequences surface is the best way to go. Usually there is a solution and your manager is more likely to act in time if they know what went wrong before it is too late. Every job has a learning curve, mistakes happen and sadly they are often the best teacher.

As long as you don't keep repeating the same mistake, I doubt your manager will make a huge deal out of it. Good luck!

 

[Ilaariaa]

I told my manager this morning and we were able to find a solution with the client that *shouldn't* make either party lose money. Fingers crossed!
Thanks everyone for the advice