The New Crop: Issue #64
how do you treat mistakes? + "how leaders miscommunicate when tensions are high"
What’s in this issue:
💭 Thought: How do you treat mistakes?
😆 Today’s Laugh
My family and I were actually at this baseball game this weekend, but were too busy getting our kids ice cream to see this transpire. 😅
💭 Today’s Thought
When I was growing up, I was part of a regional choir for about 9 years. My conductor had a specific policy when it came to signaling mistakes, and 15-year-old me had no idea how much this policy would serve me in leading teams in the workplace.
His request was straightforward: during rehearsals, if/when you made a mistake, raise your hand.
It didn’t matter if we were continuing on with our singing or had stopped to receive some instruction. You raised your hand.
My conductor almost never said anything directly to us afterwards, but would instead give a quiet head nod, as if to say, “I see you, and thank you.”
In turns out, my time in choir is probably the most safe I’ve felt in my life admitting mistakes in front of a group of people outside of my own family. And that safety undoubtedly made me a better singer.
It took me many years into my adulthood to realize the important life and leadership lesson my conductor had taught us: be the first to admit your mistakes, and make it safe for others to do so. Learn, and move on.
How do you treat mistakes? How are mistakes surfaced and treated on your team? How about in your family?
🖊️ Today’s Reflection
If you’re new to journaling, I highly encourage you to read Nancy Adler’s article: Want to be an outstanding leader? Keep a journal.
This week, find a quiet place and gift yourself 10 minutes to reflect on any of these prompts (or invent your own!):
When does admitting mistakes feel easy? Hard?
What beliefs do you hold about mistakes?
What beliefs do you hold about admitting mistakes?
How do you want mistakes to be viewed and treated on your team? How about in your family?
📚 Today’s Read
How Leaders Miscommunicate When Tensions Are High
When tensions run high, miscommunication is far more likely to occur. And tensions are likely high: In a recent global survey, 44% of employees reported they had experienced a lot of stress the previous day. To avoid creating unnecessary anxiety during times of uncertainty, leaders need to be especially thoughtful about how they communicate with their teams.
Click here to read about five common errors leaders make, and what to do instead.
See you next week!
xo,
Anne