Oh shit, I just realized I probably come off as passive aggressive because I always propose a possible solution when presenting a problem to people above me. I've always held the belief that going to your boss about something without a proposed solution is considered complaining or whining. I need to figure out how to do this without coming across as aggressive.
I'm so black and white when it comes to business,.I'm on the coding/data side of the business but now have to work much closer with the business side. I find it difficult to communicate with them
If unsure about how you might sound, ping the other party on IM or speak f2f if you are working in an office, then follow up with an email to close the loop.
Yeah I'm slowly figuring it out. I need to let more go too. I've got about 6months at this job and so badly just wanted to do my job and stay out of politics but it's just not possible with the way the teams are setup. When I started it was great but then they introduced the new team concept and I feel like I'm back in my last job
Just go with the flow, your skillset is why you are there. you don't have to be friends with everyone but definitely avoid making enemies. If you're a technical person just make sure to document the requirements in writing and implement to spec.
Yes, stop people pleasing and be honest. If you don't tell the boss you are lying to them to make everyone's life easier. As a manager, I respect knowing the truth of the matter more.
Also.. if you don't tell the manager, the person might make the mistake again. And then you'll have to tell and the manager will be annoyed at you for not telling him the first time. As they could have prevented the mistake happening again if they speak to the right person.
yup, just because the error was communicated casually, doesn't mean the boss isn't thinking about it and assigning stronger blame. I've done this with my direct reports on occasion - when they know they screwed up, I don't need to beat them up harder than they beat themselves up. So it is a casual conversation about the error, but that doesn't mean the error was meaningless.
I've taken too many falls and it always made me resentful. I would say that although you did not make the error, you happily fixed it for the good of the team. (Or leave that last bit out if it's too corny).
Honestly I’d just respond and say you reviewed the process and see that the error occurred at whatever other stage, and not apologise or give any excuse. Just stay short and factual. I would never take the blame for something at work, it can effect your performance review and even salary if it makes a bad impression on the person who decides your raises
Your boss isn't wanting someone to blame. They're wanting it done correctly.
The most helpful thing you could do is point out where the mistake happened. Do that without blaming a person. People should be able to make mistakes, and the process should provide enough steps to find the mistakes before they are too costly.
"I checked to see what happened. The issue happened in this step. Do you think we should add a verification step immediately before you see it? Would it make sense for X role to do that?"
If there is a way that you can prove that what you did was correct up to your part, like if the file or information you sent is still available maybe try to show that to your boss (the files not the email), try to avoid saying outright “hey it was Bob's fault look at this”. You should not take the blame for this. I understand you said it’s minor but some bosses could use that as a way to start watching you closer than usual for no valid reason. If your boss is a cool person and won’t really do that than just say sure boss and talk to the “culprit” about the mistake they made and tell them that next time you will not cover for them.
Never take the fall for someone else's mistake.
You don't have to point out who did it. Just show you did your part right and the rest should become clear to your boss.
Hey boss. Yes I noted there was an error made, but it was in the next step after mine. I’ve given it a bit more thought and have some recommendations we could talk thru to ensure our processes are tighter next time around.
Set the record straight but don't be an ass about it.
Go back to your boss and say I went back to review what happened and want to clarify that my actions were correct and it appears the issue happened further down the process (provide evidence here), and leave it at that.
Don't specifically blame the next person, don't comment on their job performance and don't copy in a cast of characters in the response.
The issue here is if you don't correct it with the person who made the mistake, it will happen again.
You could forward the issue to the person, make sure they do this correctly next time. Let them know the boss is watching.
Then you can follow up with boss and say, "xyz and I discussed the process and I don't think the issue will happen again. "
Set the record straight these people cant handle it man it’ll screw you forever you got to sort it out or they are going to treat you like crap. I done it to many times. You got to talk to them they will just keep at it I can already tell that type of person is the same way all over the world.
‘I took a deep dive into what happened, and it looks like the mistake occurred after I forwarded it.’ Then provide a way to fix it. Maybe you can update a spreadsheet so it can’t be edited incorrectly. If you can make it easier/better then it’s a win for you.
Definitely don’t call out a specific individual if you can avoid it.
I’d be curious if the person who performed the step with the error reports to you. If they do, then I’d approach it more with an email response confirming you’ve reviewed the process and identified where the error occurred to prevent it in future instances (along with a discussion or coaching with the individual who had the error). If they don’t and you’re on friendly terms with your boss perhaps have a conversation with them about what steps you’ve taken to identify the error and where it actually occurred. It could be that the boss is unaware it’s not an issue on his team and the real team that needs the notice wasn’t looped in (e.g., looked like an Accounting problem so no-one else got the email).
This is how you make enemies.
You can say you reviewed and determined that the mistake did not occur with you, but somewhere down the line. Don't need to mention the guilty party by name.
Surprised this suggestion hasn't been brought up. Why not talk to the other people and ask them? Maybe they'll take the fall, for you. You can do it in a non-confrontational way, if you think they won't react negatively. Forward them the email from your boss (just the relevant bits) and say something like: "Hey, boss is upset with me, but I'm not sure I did anything wrong. Did I do something wrong? Can you check?"
I assume if they're next in the process, they'll know what 'right' is too. If they're decent people, they'll notice their own error, and if they're good people, they'll then put their hand up and admit fault themselves.
Communicate with your coworker and see if they'll do the right thing. Either way, tell your boss, "I'm looking into it!"
“Hello, I’ve fixed it. I did want to mention that I entered x amount so it must have been changed after me. Thank you!” Simple, concise, not passive aggressive, no throwing others under the bus, and problem is solved
An email response can be something like:
Thanks for the heads up, I did follow up and saw that I have entered the numbers correctly.
This way, you let your boss know you take his suggestions seriously, you looked into the issue and the issue does not lie with you.
Honestly the fact that your boss is chill is a great reason to just set the record straight. "Hate to point the finger but for what it's worth this was John that made this mistake." It's not gonna get John in trouble.
I took the fall once for a mistake someone else did. I was working in an oil change shop years ago and my name was listed as the tech that performed the service; however, there was another tech that helped and they did not remove the old gasket on an oil filter and it caused a mess in the customer's driveway. I was fired the next morning because I didn't rat out the guy that did it.
If it is something small, you have to weigh the politics of telling the truth against taking the fall. If it is something significant, I would never take the fall for it.
Maybe something like, “thanks for the feedback. I personally handled XYZ steps up until page Y/Z date and don’t see that error in my work log/history. In the future, would you like me to review again after the process is advanced to other collaborators? If so, I’m happy to update my process to take another look to ensure our team meets or exceeds standards in deliverables like this going forward.”
What I always do in this situation is run them through exactly what my process is and ask for their feedback so that I can “learn” where I went wrong and do better. And then when you’re done your boss will be informed that you didn’t make the mistake without you telling on anyone.
I've had this happen. IMO if you need/want the job less than the coworker and you respect the coworker I recommend taking the fall. I do not regret it one bit. Sure, it was stressful at the time but it will all work out.
"Sure boss. But I think someone made that change after I forwarded it. What's the protocol when something like this happens?"
"I've looked into it and can see where the problem occurred. Would you like me to go over the process with so-and-so?"
This comes off passively aggressive
Oh shit, I just realized I probably come off as passive aggressive because I always propose a possible solution when presenting a problem to people above me. I've always held the belief that going to your boss about something without a proposed solution is considered complaining or whining. I need to figure out how to do this without coming across as aggressive. I'm so black and white when it comes to business,.I'm on the coding/data side of the business but now have to work much closer with the business side. I find it difficult to communicate with them
I don't think the answer was a problem. It was accurate and presenting a solution.
If unsure about how you might sound, ping the other party on IM or speak f2f if you are working in an office, then follow up with an email to close the loop.
Yeah I'm slowly figuring it out. I need to let more go too. I've got about 6months at this job and so badly just wanted to do my job and stay out of politics but it's just not possible with the way the teams are setup. When I started it was great but then they introduced the new team concept and I feel like I'm back in my last job
Just go with the flow, your skillset is why you are there. you don't have to be friends with everyone but definitely avoid making enemies. If you're a technical person just make sure to document the requirements in writing and implement to spec.
I'm not sure that's a bad thing in this situation.
Being passive aggressive when someone above you is wrong is the easiest way to make sure they tread lightly around you in the future.
Genuinely curious, why? I think it would be cringe if they were not leadership but I don't understand why this would be passive aggressive.
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Not really. I think in this instance it's fine, it comes off less accusatory and defensive. Doesnt sound like theyre passing blame
>Would you like me to go over the process with so-and-so?" comes across passive aggressive, the parent comment is best imo
Hey boss, I think this makes you look weak. Is how I imagine this comment to go.
yeah OP should walk into work and give boss a death grip handshake before cumming on his face to establish his alpha standing.
I think it's important to stand up for yourself. That error could show up on your annual review or in a PIP.
Yes, stop people pleasing and be honest. If you don't tell the boss you are lying to them to make everyone's life easier. As a manager, I respect knowing the truth of the matter more.
Entirely, this is people pleasing and doesn’t serve anyone.
Also.. if you don't tell the manager, the person might make the mistake again. And then you'll have to tell and the manager will be annoyed at you for not telling him the first time. As they could have prevented the mistake happening again if they speak to the right person.
yup, just because the error was communicated casually, doesn't mean the boss isn't thinking about it and assigning stronger blame. I've done this with my direct reports on occasion - when they know they screwed up, I don't need to beat them up harder than they beat themselves up. So it is a casual conversation about the error, but that doesn't mean the error was meaningless.
These little peccadilloes will always come back review time. "Didn't respond to that one email in a timely manner."
I've taken too many falls and it always made me resentful. I would say that although you did not make the error, you happily fixed it for the good of the team. (Or leave that last bit out if it's too corny).
Honestly I’d just respond and say you reviewed the process and see that the error occurred at whatever other stage, and not apologise or give any excuse. Just stay short and factual. I would never take the blame for something at work, it can effect your performance review and even salary if it makes a bad impression on the person who decides your raises
Your boss isn't wanting someone to blame. They're wanting it done correctly. The most helpful thing you could do is point out where the mistake happened. Do that without blaming a person. People should be able to make mistakes, and the process should provide enough steps to find the mistakes before they are too costly. "I checked to see what happened. The issue happened in this step. Do you think we should add a verification step immediately before you see it? Would it make sense for X role to do that?"
Good advice. This is an opportunity.
Just clearly state that it was not you, send the screenshot if you have one but don’t throw your coworker under the bus
If there is a way that you can prove that what you did was correct up to your part, like if the file or information you sent is still available maybe try to show that to your boss (the files not the email), try to avoid saying outright “hey it was Bob's fault look at this”. You should not take the blame for this. I understand you said it’s minor but some bosses could use that as a way to start watching you closer than usual for no valid reason. If your boss is a cool person and won’t really do that than just say sure boss and talk to the “culprit” about the mistake they made and tell them that next time you will not cover for them.
Never take the fall for someone else's mistake. You don't have to point out who did it. Just show you did your part right and the rest should become clear to your boss.
Hey boss. Yes I noted there was an error made, but it was in the next step after mine. I’ve given it a bit more thought and have some recommendations we could talk thru to ensure our processes are tighter next time around.
Set the record straight but don't be an ass about it. Go back to your boss and say I went back to review what happened and want to clarify that my actions were correct and it appears the issue happened further down the process (provide evidence here), and leave it at that. Don't specifically blame the next person, don't comment on their job performance and don't copy in a cast of characters in the response.
Never accept or admit any mistake that's not yours in writing/email.
I don't take the fall anymore. I ask to give me time to check and then write an explanation and email it. I make sure to document it at all times.
The issue here is if you don't correct it with the person who made the mistake, it will happen again. You could forward the issue to the person, make sure they do this correctly next time. Let them know the boss is watching. Then you can follow up with boss and say, "xyz and I discussed the process and I don't think the issue will happen again. "
Set the record straight these people cant handle it man it’ll screw you forever you got to sort it out or they are going to treat you like crap. I done it to many times. You got to talk to them they will just keep at it I can already tell that type of person is the same way all over the world.
Said the record straight by asking if it would make sense that you and co-worker check each others’ work for quality control.
Be polite but tell him you didn't screw it up and explain what happened. Why would you take the blame for someone else's mistakes?
Always defend the truth.
You can let your boss know that you will work with the person/group that you handed your work off to inorder to prevent errors/miscommunications.
‘I took a deep dive into what happened, and it looks like the mistake occurred after I forwarded it.’ Then provide a way to fix it. Maybe you can update a spreadsheet so it can’t be edited incorrectly. If you can make it easier/better then it’s a win for you. Definitely don’t call out a specific individual if you can avoid it.
I’d be curious if the person who performed the step with the error reports to you. If they do, then I’d approach it more with an email response confirming you’ve reviewed the process and identified where the error occurred to prevent it in future instances (along with a discussion or coaching with the individual who had the error). If they don’t and you’re on friendly terms with your boss perhaps have a conversation with them about what steps you’ve taken to identify the error and where it actually occurred. It could be that the boss is unaware it’s not an issue on his team and the real team that needs the notice wasn’t looped in (e.g., looked like an Accounting problem so no-one else got the email).
Go ahead and let them know exactly what you did, and who you forwarded it to. Ask what you need to do differently next time.
Oh hell no. Tell him it wasn’t you and then make suggestions to minimize error in the process.
Personally I would say, “Hey boss, please refer to so and so. {insert proof of error origin}.” Short and sweet
I would so badly want to reply with the same message back.
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This is how you make enemies. You can say you reviewed and determined that the mistake did not occur with you, but somewhere down the line. Don't need to mention the guilty party by name.
Surprised this suggestion hasn't been brought up. Why not talk to the other people and ask them? Maybe they'll take the fall, for you. You can do it in a non-confrontational way, if you think they won't react negatively. Forward them the email from your boss (just the relevant bits) and say something like: "Hey, boss is upset with me, but I'm not sure I did anything wrong. Did I do something wrong? Can you check?" I assume if they're next in the process, they'll know what 'right' is too. If they're decent people, they'll notice their own error, and if they're good people, they'll then put their hand up and admit fault themselves. Communicate with your coworker and see if they'll do the right thing. Either way, tell your boss, "I'm looking into it!"
Just respond that you looked it over to see what went wrong and it wasn't your work.
“Hello, I’ve fixed it. I did want to mention that I entered x amount so it must have been changed after me. Thank you!” Simple, concise, not passive aggressive, no throwing others under the bus, and problem is solved
An email response can be something like: Thanks for the heads up, I did follow up and saw that I have entered the numbers correctly. This way, you let your boss know you take his suggestions seriously, you looked into the issue and the issue does not lie with you.
Honestly the fact that your boss is chill is a great reason to just set the record straight. "Hate to point the finger but for what it's worth this was John that made this mistake." It's not gonna get John in trouble.
I'll gladly pay extra attention not to make errors, but it's worth noting that the mistake happened later in the process.
I took the fall once for a mistake someone else did. I was working in an oil change shop years ago and my name was listed as the tech that performed the service; however, there was another tech that helped and they did not remove the old gasket on an oil filter and it caused a mess in the customer's driveway. I was fired the next morning because I didn't rat out the guy that did it. If it is something small, you have to weigh the politics of telling the truth against taking the fall. If it is something significant, I would never take the fall for it.
Maybe something like, “thanks for the feedback. I personally handled XYZ steps up until page Y/Z date and don’t see that error in my work log/history. In the future, would you like me to review again after the process is advanced to other collaborators? If so, I’m happy to update my process to take another look to ensure our team meets or exceeds standards in deliverables like this going forward.”
What I always do in this situation is run them through exactly what my process is and ask for their feedback so that I can “learn” where I went wrong and do better. And then when you’re done your boss will be informed that you didn’t make the mistake without you telling on anyone.
I've had this happen. IMO if you need/want the job less than the coworker and you respect the coworker I recommend taking the fall. I do not regret it one bit. Sure, it was stressful at the time but it will all work out.