E26/S2 COME CLEAN! - How and why cover-ups can damage your career

Andrew discusses two stories in this episode, highlighting the consequences of covering up mistakes and how to handle mistakes at work.  The first story recounts the Ford Pinto case where the company launched the Pinto car despite knowing it had a design flaw, and how settling burn victim lawsuits would save the company more than remedying the fault.  The second story features Sheila Marcelo, founder and CEO of Care.com, who fired an employee, regretted it immediately, and later rehired the person. Marcelo learned that wrong decisions could be reversed, apologising does not indicate weakness, and taking responsibility for mistakes is essential.

Andrew advises handling mistakes at work, including the need to admit mistakes, accept the consequences, and avoid making excuses or inventing stories to explain the mistake.  He emphasises that apologising is essential and can save one's job, showing maturity and professionalism.  Andrew suggests spending time repairing relationships and identifying specific learning from the mistake. It's also essential to avoid blaming others and owning up to the error to demonstrate confidence and take cues from your behaviour.

Andrew also shares advice on forgiving oneself after making mistakes.  He suggests being honest about what happened, apologising to those affected, and asking for forgiveness. Excessive guilt can be counterproductive, and moving on from the mistake and identifying specific lessons learned is essential.  Finally, he notes that it's easier to come clean and take responsibility for mistakes than to cover them up, and hiding mistakes can have severe consequences.

 

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