How We Address Mistakes Defines Our Character!

No one goes out of their way to make a mistake, but once we understand a mistake has been made, that is when choices begin and our character will be demonstrated.
If it is our own personal mistake, we can ignore it, wait until later to deal with it, or immediately take action. Each mistake and the situation around it will have unique qualities; however if we select to ignore it, in most cases we picked the wrong answer. Waiting until later will depend upon a variety of circumstances, but only if we have intentions to deal with the issue later. Taking action is typically the best answer, but again circumstances come into play.
If someone else made a mistake we noticed, we again have choices. We may be able to fix the mistake ourselves if it is a simple one and then decide to either share or not share the fact it happened. Of course, we can also share the mistake and not do anything to correct or offset it. If it is a larger mistake, we can advise the individual who made it or we can tell someone in a position of authority or someone who is able to deal with the error. In all cases, we again can choose to tell no one or tell everyone about the mistake.
With the available choices mentioned above, our character will show as well as our concern for fellow individuals. Admitting to the mistake without any thought of not admitting it will speak to our character, especially when the mistake is unable to be traced back to us.
Due to the mistake occurring, certain actions may be required. Evaluating the impact of the mistake without being told to do so further identifies our character. If the mistake involves others, identifying the impacted individuals will be one step in determining the steps to correct or offset the mistake. The next step involves taking action.
Sharing the information around the mistake with others identifies how we communicate with others. This can be accomplished in a caring manner and with a show of understanding. We can also go to the other extreme and just be rude and spiteful as if we enjoy sharing the mistakes of others.
Having a plan to correct the mistake shows responsiveness in terms of dealing with the mistake. The best time to correct or minimize the mistake is immediately after it is made or detected.
As we understand the how and why around the mistake, this information is converted into action steps for ourselves and/or others to prevent the same mistake in the future.
As humans we all make mistakes, as leaders our character will determine our response when one of our staff makes the mistake. All mistakes are not equal, so our response may be varied. With more routine operational mistakes, our focus should be on future prevention and lessons to be learned from the mistake. We want to challenge our staff to be creative to the extent that it is okay to make certain mistakes - as with that type of thinking we stretch and grow our experiences. The goal is to succeed, but at times it may take many mistakes to accomplish that goal. Albert Einstein once said anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.