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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Poet on July 10, 2007, at 21:02:12
Last week I accidentally sent out a letter to the wrong person. One of the bosses had a fit, the other one seemed okay with it (and the letter was meant for his client, not the other guy's), though he brought it up the next day. If I hear *accuracy, accuracy, accuracy* one more time I will scream. Hope no co-workers Babble or they'll recognize that obnoxious phrase.
Anyway, I take any criticism very hard and instantly think I'll be fired or made miserable and forced to quit which has happened to me before.
What bosses don't get is that I am harder on myself than they can be on me, even if they inflict misery. I can inflict it harder. I am a pro at beating myself up.
I said I was sorry, but I feel like I have to be on guard. I checked the newspaper for ads. I am triple checking my work. I hate this. I can't handle making mistakes. I need to be perfect. See boring thread somewhere on psych board from last month for more on that old issue. Sigh.
Poet
Posted by canadagirl on July 10, 2007, at 22:03:09
In reply to Handling Mistakes, posted by Poet on July 10, 2007, at 21:02:12
I know the feeling of thinking you have screwed up. However, there is nothing you can do about things that happened that are now out of your control. We can only control what we can in the moment, right. And no one is perfect in their job. Not even CEOs, look at all the screw ups they do. Highly publicized screw ups. I hope you are feeling better, it's never pleasant to get told off but something like this is not the end of the world, I try to tell myself that too...like I compare a paperwork mistake to say...if I were working in an emergency room or something. No comparison. No one's going to die from it. So go easy on yourself if you can.
Posted by Poet on July 15, 2007, at 14:48:09
In reply to Re: Handling Mistakes » Poet, posted by canadagirl on July 10, 2007, at 22:03:09
Hi Canadagirl,
You're right that the mistake I made was minor compared to those highly publicized CEO mistakes. It's still bothering me because I used to be such a good proofreader and observant and would catch other people's mistakes as well as my own. Now, I'm questioning that I was ever any good in the first place. As my T said last week *what happened to your positive thinking.* Well, it's gone.
Though I do feel a little better because I got falsely accused of making another mistake and got a back handed apology from the accuser. Per a co-worker I was lucky to get that much of an apology.
Anyway, thanks for reminding me that everyone makes mistakes and that mine is minor.
Poet
Posted by annierose on July 15, 2007, at 22:08:14
In reply to Re: Handling Mistakes » Poet, posted by canadagirl on July 10, 2007, at 22:03:09
Everyone makes mistakes ... everyone. I am the boss at my work and when I make a mistake, I make sure everyone knows "I DID IT" and see .. we are still in business. A good employee learns how to recognize their errors and admits responsibility ... learning how to solve the problem is icing on the cake.
I hope you learn to relax a litte at work. I know I'm asking a lot.
Do you still like the type of work that you are doing?
Posted by canadagirl on July 16, 2007, at 8:05:37
In reply to Re: Handling Mistakes » canadagirl, posted by Poet on July 15, 2007, at 14:48:09
You are "any good in the first place" of course. You are very bright and articulate and if you are doing something that requires proofreading I'm sure you are fantastic at it. This just slipped by you. In fact, last week I noticed I did a similar thing --- made an error in our annual report. And it was a big one. So I joined you in the proofreading error department, and you know I told myself the same thing --- it's out of my control now. (In fact if anyone reads that far in the report it's a miracle). So hang in there and don't let this get to you.
Posted by scratchpad on July 16, 2007, at 8:46:20
In reply to Handling Mistakes, posted by Poet on July 10, 2007, at 21:02:12
I remember the boss I had once who asked me whether I knew that the computer had a spell check feature. Talk about wanting to disappear on the spot! His scorn was withering as he delivered the question with a sunny smile. (I still shudder to think of it.) His praise was non-existent.
I was quickly and quietly tossed to the side in his pursuit of excellence on the job. After 10 years, I think I'm still catching my breath!At the end of the day, it was far more important to him than it was to me. And the client (we did public relations for a funeral home chain!) couldn't care less. Interesting job, but only good in the telling, really. It took years off my life.
Scratchpad
Posted by Poet on July 16, 2007, at 18:36:38
In reply to Re: Handling Mistakes » canadagirl, posted by annierose on July 15, 2007, at 22:08:14
Hi Annierose,
I like what I am doing, but it's not what I should be doing. I finish my classes in two weeks and I keep thinking and then what? It's not like someone will offer me an advanced position with only three plus months experience.
I think my problem is that I will turn 50 this year and I had a better job when I was 25. Sigh. I know, I'm depressed and that doesn't help any.
Poet
Posted by Poet on July 16, 2007, at 18:38:44
In reply to Re: Handling Mistakes » Poet, posted by canadagirl on July 16, 2007, at 8:05:37
Hi Canadagirl,
I didn't make any mistakes today and they can't blame me for the internet problems so I am feeling a little better. Still lower than low self esteem, but a little better about making mistakes.
Sorry you joined my need to proofread better team, I wish I could handle it as well as you do.
Poet
Posted by Poet on July 16, 2007, at 18:40:53
In reply to Re: Handling Mistakes » Poet, posted by scratchpad on July 16, 2007, at 8:46:20
Hi SP,
Why is that the jobs we look back on with fondness ended so quickly and those that we hated even if short lasting still jab at us? I know, my T says I need to let go. Live in the present and all that jazz.
Thanks for reminding me that there are horrible bosses out there and mine may get crabby, but for the most part they know I am trying my hardest.
Poet
This is the end of the thread.
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