Time to practice!
Now you can apply what you've learnt by talking to Alex. Remember the steps we've covered:
- Inform (if necessary)
- Apologize
- Suggest steps to make amends
- Suggest steps to prevent recurrence
- If affected parties are angry or frustrated: keep your voice calm, validate their feelings, show you listen
As you practice this technique, don't forget to ask for input on your suggested steps to make amends and prevent recurrence.
If you're unsure what to say, you can always refer to the example solution.
You work as a senior developer at Pipedream Solutions. The open-plan office buzzes with the usual Monday morning energy. As you lean back in your chair and sip your coffee, you realize you completely forgot to inform your colleague Alex about the major UI overhaul decided in Wednesday's stakeholder meeting. For the past week, he's been meticulously crafting interface components that now need to be completely redone. You walk over to his desk to break the news, your fingers nervously drumming against your coffee mug.
In the practice section, you'll find many more scenarios that will help you gain confidence in handling mistakes at work.