Mistake or Learning Opportunity?

August 2023

I vividly recall my first "real" job fresh out of college – a management trainee role at what was at the time, a prominent national PC and services provider. During my initial rotation, I found myself immersed in the world of procurement, responsible for purchasing components for IBM Computers and Peripherals. This encompassed everything from keyboards and monitors to memory, software, and more.

As in all supply chain roles, challenges arose. Memory allocation became incredibly tight, and we could only ship and invoice orders if we had the right memory in inventory. It was in the midst of this fast-paced environment that I encountered a situation that truly shaped my perspective on leadership and accountability.

A customer service representative approached me for assistance with releasing an urgent order in the system. Being relatively new to the role, I made adjustments in the ERP that inadvertently led to the reallocation of our entire stock of memory. The unintended consequence was a major disruption to orders in the queue. Our largest client was significantly impacted and expressed their dissatisfaction rather emphatically in direct communication with the COO.

I was immediately called into a one-to-one meeting with the Ops VP. I fully expected to be fired. To put this into context, I was a trainee, reporting to a Manager, who reported to a Director, who reported to the VP who called me into his office. I braced myself for the worst. But what transpired next would leave an indelible mark on my professional growth.

Instead, I was met with unexpected understanding and support. The VP, embodying the essence of true leadership, acknowledged that the mistake was rooted in a lack of proper training. The responsibility rested not solely on my shoulders but also on the management. The potential financial impact, reaching a staggering $1M, was a glaring reminder of the importance of learning from missteps.

The VP's words still resonate: "We've invested $1M in you – why would we want to let you go? Learn from this experience, and prove that you're worth that investment."

Walking away from that encounter, my loyalty to the leadership team soared, and my respect for their genuine commitment to fostering growth was unwavering. That pivotal moment instilled in me a fundamental leadership principle – your team's missteps are often rooted in training gaps, communication breakdowns, or unclear expectations. Just as I had thrived under coaches who nurtured my skills instead of berating me, I recognized the power of cultivating a supportive environment.

Today, as I navigate leadership roles and inspire teams, I hold dear the invaluable lesson learned during that transformative juncture. Leaders, remember this: nurture your team's growth, provide guidance, and cultivate an atmosphere where learning from mistakes is not only encouraged but embraced.