Dear Anna,
I recently started a new job and am still adjusting to being the new person. It's a position at a different company, but the job itself isn't new to me, so I've picked up on things pretty quickly. I've noticed certain tiny mistakes being made during the workday, by other coworkers that have been here for ages. They end up getting corrected eventually, but it would save everyone some minor headaches if they are fixed as they happen. So my question is, how do I go about bringing these things up without offending or upsetting anyone? These little things aren't worth bringing up to the boss, so going above their heads isn't really necessary. I think a direct approach would be the most efficient way to handle things. It's a close knit team, so I don't want to get on anyone's bad side, especially since I'm still the new guy. Do you have any suggestions on how to approach this?
Thanks in advance,
A Nervous Newbie
Dear Nervous Newbie,
Congrats on the new job! Sounds like you hope to be a helpful colleague. Your words “tiny,” “minor,” and “little” to describe these mistakes that eventually get corrected suggests that a person or a system is not in peril here. With that perspective in mind, here are three approaches to consider:
1. Pay more attention to the work “flowers” than the work “weeds.” Instead of ruminating over what people are doing wrong, notice what they are doing right. What do you appreciate about their behavior? I first learned about this approach from speaker/author/educator Vicki Hoefle – the expression I recall from her is essentially, “feed the flower, not the weed.” Give oxygen to the things that you want to encourage, rather than discourage.
2. Find the “gift” in the negative thing. Watch out for the tendency to be judgmental. Instead, get curious. What can you learn from the mistake? What innovations might you want to try? What else is possible? I’ve learned about this approach from many sources, including my professional coaching training, my applied improvisation training, as well as from Shirzad Chamine, author of the book, “Positive Intelligence.”
3. Consider what you want to be known for in a year, three years, five years. What do you want to excel in at this new place? Focus on being the best you can be at that thing. Listen for feedback. As you develop a rapport with colleagues, where they start to give you feedback, demonstrate how you are changing or growing from it. That progress might open the door for you to give them feedback as well.
Seeking perfection creates stress and stifles creativity. Even artificial intelligence (A.I.) makes mistakes. Encourage an environment of exploration and possibility. To be sure, certain industries need as close to perfection as possible. However, in instances where flexibility can be possible, try something unexpected. I once heard a story about a boss who awarded a free dinner to the employee who made the biggest mistake that week. Imagine the trust that can be possible when people feel like they can truly show up as themselves at the office.
You mention being worried about not wanting “to get on anyone's bad side.” Experiment with authentic appreciations. It might even inspire your workplace to encourage creative ways for everyone to stay on each other’s good side!
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Disclaimer: These tips are meant to be a helpful starting point of ideas. Proceed at your own risk. Each person and organization is different, and this information may or may not help you. Try what resonates with you, keeping in mind common sense and circumstances. Seek professional advice that is tailored to your specific situation.
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