Ownership of Errors
I can count countless times when I’ve been in situations where someone taking accountability and responsibility for errors has increased efficiency. I first read in Stephen Covey’s ‘The Seven habits of Effective people’ how taking ownership & responsibility for a problem has had positive effectives and outcomes.
Recently I took my wife’s engagement ring to a jewellery shop – it had lost a diamond after twenty-three years. The ring was repaired, but four months later the repaired claw had lifted.
I was informed “this happens this time of year with winter jumpers”.
Suggesting it was my wife’s fault.
It was repaired again, and I haven’t returned to that store.
More recently, I returned a dress ring to a local store. The ring had lost a stone. The monetary value and sentimental value were less than the engagement ring. I didn’t have the receipt, so explained the circumstance.
The ring was replaced without further questioning.
The service was outstanding.
It was a refreshing experience.
When I reflect on these two experiences, it was indeed about ownership. I have returned to the local store again for further purchases as I have confidence in their values and service.
Returning to my initial thoughts with ownership, this has impacted further in my professional and personal life.
I seldom want an apology, although this forms the process to take ownership.
I actually want ownership, someone to understand my problem and then seek to resolve.
I accept accidents, errors and decisions made in the heat of the moment, but I struggle with others not taking accountability.
My view quickly becomes disappointment where someone tries to fob me off as this issue isn’t important to them and equally they behave as if it isn’t important to me, despite their words, their behaviour states something different.
Can you recall a time where you took ownership and responsibility for an error of your own doing?
How quickly did you resolve the issue?
What were your effective decisions at that moment?
