This same dynamic plays out in our families, with our parents, in our relationships, and also in the workplace. A small mistake here or there, an important life lesson learned, it’s actually a valuable part of learning most things, as a lot of times we learn best from our own failures. Of course, when these instances occur, you hope that the consequences won’t be too great; it’s one thing to fall down and stub your toe when you’re three and another entirely to end up with crippling debt you can’t shake because you made a bad investment in your 30s.
In the workplace, oftentimes someone with more experience, your boss, or a higher-level manager might think that they have their bases covered. They might fail to heed a wise warning from someone whom they view as relatively junior and inexperienced; maybe even viewing that sound, well-intentioned advice as a complaint.
This is, of course, frustrating for the staff member who has predicted the problem in advance and is now watching it come to fruition in real time, all of their carefully documented work outlining the problem ignored and pushed aside. They might feel some satisfaction in watching their prediction come about, which will be quickly dampened when there is suddenly no recognition of that advice being given or “you were right” moment, as the entire thing is quickly swept under the rug.
For these reasons, it’s important to remember to take on board all feedback. Of course, time doesn’t always permit this, and sometimes a snap judgement needs to be made. Still, when your technical staff give you technical advice, you’d do best to follow it and save the ultimatums for another time.
Author: Kayitsi.com
