Admitting Mistakes at Work: 13 November 2011: Philosophy in Action

Admitting Mistakes at Work

Webcast Q&A: Sunday, 13 November 2011, Question 1

In the live broadcast of Philosophy in Action Radio on 13 November 2011, I answered a question on admitting mistakes at work.

Should you always own up to your mistakes? Recently, I made a huge mistake at work, accidentally discarding some very important files. When inquiry was made, I denied knowing anything about it. Should I have fessed up?

My Answer, In Brief: Everyone makes mistakes, and it's neither moral nor practical to conceal your mistakes by deception. Don't evade your problems – face them openly and fix them!

Tags: Business, Character, Ethics, Honesty, Moral Wrongs, Responsibility, Work

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Relevant Links

"False Excuses: Honesty, Wrongdoing, and Moral Growth," 2004 paper by Diana Hsieh
Viable Values by Tara Smith, especially pp. 167-74
Manager Tools: Admitting Mistakes, Part 1 and Admitting Mistakes, Part 2
Philosophy in Action: Long-Ago Stolen Property
From the Earth to the Moon

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About Philosophy in Action Radio

I'm Dr. Diana Hsieh. I'm a philosopher specializing the application of rational principles to the challenges of real life. I received my Ph.D in philosophy from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2009. My dissertation defended moral responsibility and moral judgment against the doubts raised by Thomas Nagel's "problem of moral luck."

My radio show, Philosophy in Action Radio, broadcasts live over the internet on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. On Sunday mornings, I answer four meaty questions applying rational principles to the challenges of real life in a live hour-long show. Greg Perkins of Objectivist Answers co-hosts the show. On Wednesday evenings, I interview an expert guest about a topic of practical importance.

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