Accountability - again

When I was growing up I remember hearing (or maybe I read it) that the only thing you can truly own is your mistakes. Own them. Admitting errors or  true lack of knowledge (or that I just forgot) rather than lying about the problem showed my bosses that I had standards and ethics. I was able to take responsibility for my actions.

It's not easy saying, "Yes, I screwed up. I did that." The only actually serious complaint I received (to date) as a Dispatcher came in my first year. When I sat in the Captain's office, I admitted right away my mistake. When asked if I wanted representation I said no. I knew I'd did wrong and was willing to face any consequences for not following the policy, even though it was unintentional. No one had been hurt. So I knew I wouldn't be terminated. The Captain was surprised I admitted my part in the incident (a mishap in dispatching). He praised my willingness to be forthright. I signed the complaint and that was the end of it. He said afterwards if I had lied I would have been suspended.

In previous jobs I've actually contacted supervisors in advance of the public to give them a heads up in case they receive a complaint call. One told me no one ever did that. He said it was a shame more folks didn't do the same.

I agreed. It seems to me too many people spend way to much time covering up mistakes, especially simple ones. The errors blow up into bigger ones. If they'd just dealt with the original goof in the first place, it probably wouldn't have been a big deal. Covers ups snow ball quickly. Lies lead to more lies.

Why do I act this way?

Because when things go sideways and someone makes accusations against me that aren't true, I can say 'I didn't do it." and my supervisors will take my side. They believe me because I don't lie or hide when I make a mistake so my character is in good standing. It also helps that I show up when expected, do my good to the best of my ability, take on extra tasks without complaint, and stay informed about the profession as a whole. I keep up on training on my own (except for mandatory Dept. of Justice NCIC training every two years as the agency TAC, any outside training is on our own dollar.

For those of your starting out: don't be afraid to admit to your goof-ups. We all make them and most are fixable. It will happen at some point. The sooner you identify the error, the quicker you can work to solve the issue. Do your job to the best of your ability. NO ONE OWES you anything in this world. Sorry, but despite what you parents might have told you, the world does NOT revolve around you. We all have to start from the bottom and work our way up. Be accountable to your work. Don't act like a know-it-all. You might have a fancy degree but the co-worker  without one that's been doing the position for a couple of years is just as knowledgeable in the job. Be respectful.

So that's my rant on accountability.

Stay safe out there and avoid wasps hanging out in fire extinguish covers (long story there).