You've Made a Mistake at Work. Now What?

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I need help yet I am not sure where to turn. I have had a difficult time being placed in a permanent position at work. I believe it stems from a couple of disabilities. One is physical; and the other is being mentally delayed (that's my assessment anyways). The physical part is that I have no use in two fingers on my right hand due to a botched surgery years ago making the coordination completely off. I am unable to work in any production position(s) or as a data entry clerk.I can type, approximently 23 wpm. Also,the numerical keypad, mostly by sight. I am employed thru a non-profit company which is in the Healthcare business. I have worked on-call for the past 5yrs.-10 mos. I am in my mid-fifties,which seems I am not being called as frequently as I need it to be. What types of training would you suggest for someone in my position? My house is in foreclosure,and I am running out of unemployment wages. I would appreciate your help

Angela of CA 4:25PM May 15, 2012

jio

karla of TX 9:25PM May 07, 2012

It doesn't matter whether you're a minority or not, you can only strive to do your best to minimize or eliminate errors. Do your very best. I find that fear of making a mistake and low confidence level precede many types of repeated errors. You would be surprised to know that the negative energy produced by fears actually draws what you fear to you. It's like a magnet. Avoid fear.
Everyone has something they may not be good at. Everybody has to be ready to face harsh unreasonable criticism, but don't whine or compain. Others opinions of you do not define you. Just strive for excellence, do your best and walk with confidence. If, on the other hand, you're deficient in some areas, seek ways to improve. Never be satisfied to get by because others got by. Hold yourself to the highest standard of performance. This test may prove useful in building you into a highly qualified, most effective professional. Just take all as a learning experience.

Cheryl Lonon of FL 4:09PM February 13, 2012

I made a mistake counting the register a week ago, I was in a hurry to get out of there so I counted the drawer in the middle of the day so I could leave right on time. I got chewed out by my manager the next week for it, I said I was sorry it wouldn't happen again, but since then they keep reminding me of it all the time. I mean it has been a week since it happened but I'm still hearing it. It is upsetting me, it was my first mistake.

locke of FL 12:55PM August 08, 2011

i`ve been cauled to a meeting with my boss for turning the camera,it give an impression that i was intending to steal.what can i do to get out of this mess

margaret of AL 9:41AM November 17, 2010

I really hope that this is not taken wrong. I find that it is extremely traumatic as a minority to make a mistake in the work place more than the average counterpart. Can someone suggest how not to feel scrutinized and not deemed less than intelligent if a mistake is done? For example, it is easy to type a letter and mistype a word due to "fat fingers", yet it can easily be assessed as not being well versed vs. a mistake when a minority makes such errors. I have seen where if it is a majorities mistake the email says typo however if it’s myself it is a misspelling or mistake. The stress of being concerned about making a mistake can eliminate big mistakes but cause one to make minor ones more frequently.

Leslie Purham of IL 12:07PM April 02, 2010

I am business manager for a small fitness center. The economy has left its mark, things are slow, and our income is down. My boss has made it a habit for myself (as well as my predecessors) to double check deposits into the checking account which is on QuickBooks. I have always valued her double check, and after a year and a half, she has only found one error where I had omitted to enter a deposit...that is until last month. Last month, I neglected to enter two deposits. Now, I must tell you that there is a deposit for each of three shifts - 365 days a year - so it is not an occasional transaction. I'm not trying to justify my error, just wanted to tell you how many there are.
We had a stressful day today - and to top things off, I discovered I had not forgotten to enter a deposit, but entered a deposit for $8,000.00 twice - this overstated the money in our checking account.
My boss is usually calm, but this sent her over the edge. She told me it was very serious - I did not act as if it had not been. She asked how it happened - to which I replied, I do not know how I could have done such a thing...I wish I could tell you. I also appologized.
After that, she left the building, and here I sit, a bundle of nerves and upset.
I am a good, honest, and usually accurate bookkeeper. However, I just want to cry.

Nance of PA 8:41PM November 24, 2009

I have had a lot of bosses who do not want to hear "I am sorry". More importantly they want to hear "This is what I can contribute to righting the mistake." The boss might decide that someone else is better able to correct things, but being proactive in a solution goes a long way.

Hank of DC 3:53PM July 14, 2009

Thanks for posting this, I have just read it after making a pretty big mistake today. I feel alot better about it after reading your recomendations on how to handle these situations, thankfully i did pretty much what you have recomended.

poof of KY 5:14AM May 27, 2009

a very similar post also back in January. Did you steal it from me Alison?
http://newlycorporate.com/2008/01/28/oh-s-now-what-you-made-the-mistake-now-make-the-best-of-a-bad-situation/
I'm kidding, I just wanted to put a link up there.
These are good points, I think they are fairly obvious to most people that have a sense of responsibility.

Brandon Alsup of WI 4:49PM May 21, 2008