A toddler can’t learn to walk without plenty of falls. A newbie cook is bound to burn several dishes before mastering temperature control. A beginning middle school saxophonist will likely scare any small animal in his immediate vicinity with his instrument’s fierce shrieks.  

But it’s all good, right? It’s OK. None of us are perfect. I’ve made plenty of mistakes in my life. The key is how you react. I can’t stand to see people cower after messing up. I especially dislike it when people focus on hiding a mistake instead of correcting it. That’s a big “No!” for me because it tears apart trust and stifles learning.  

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Errors are necessary building blocks for success. If you mess up, own it and learn because life is a process of mastering trial and error. Don’t focus on fault, blame, or self-loathing. Instead, always focus on this question: “What is the next right thing to do?” 

Business, too. That’s the only way we truly improve — acknowledge what’s wrong and do better the next time. We’re 10 years down the “next right thing” road in HireSmart Virtual Employees. What’s that old saying about putting in over 10,000 hours before you master something? Well, we logged far more than that. We’ve spent a decade hyper-focused on the do’s and don’ts of global hiring. That decade has sharpened us and given me true appreciation for how core values must dictate every action.  

At HireSmart, our SMARTER core values are rooted in trust, authenticity, and constant improvement. Honestly, how can you ever truly celebrate your success if you don’t also acknowledge the mistakes that steered you in a better direction?  

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Here’s why embracing imperfection can be a game-changer for your business: 

1. It Builds Authentic Connections

When we’re willing to share our missteps and what we’ve learned from them, we create a bridge to others. This vulnerability allows people to let down their guard and be themselves. It’s liberating and builds a sense of belonging and mutual understanding. 

2. It Encourages Innovation

A workplace where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities rather than failures is one where innovation thrives. When people aren’t afraid to take risks, they’re more likely to come up with creative solutions and push boundaries. 

3. It Promotes a Growth Mindset

Embracing imperfection cultivates a growth mindset. Instead of seeing challenges as insurmountable obstacles, your team learns to view them as opportunities for development and improvement. 

4. It Enhances Problem-Solving Skills

When we’re open about our mistakes, we can collectively analyze what went wrong and how to fix it. This collaborative approach often leads to more effective solutions and prevents similar issues in the future. 

5. It Improves Communication

An environment where it’s safe to admit mistakes encourages open and honest communication. This transparency can prevent small issues from snowballing into larger problems. 

So, how can you develop a culture that builds success through connection? Here are some strategies: 

• Lead by Example: As a leader, be open about your mistakes and what you’ve learned. This sets the tone for the entire organization.

• Celebrate Learning, Not Just Success: Recognize and reward not just achievements, but also the lessons learned from setbacks. Instead of focusing on an error, focus on what the person accomplished the next time and how they conquered the problem.

• Create Spaces for Sharing: Hold regular team meetings where people can discuss challenges without fear of judgment.

• Implement a “No Blame” Policy: Focus on solving problems and learning from mistakes rather than finding someone to blame. A leader who focuses on what’s next helps struggling team members find their footing.

At HireSmart, our virtual employees are encouraged to be open about their challenges and always focus on solutions, not blame. This leads to stronger connections with our clients and more innovative solutions.  

“Hannah is a dedicated teammate and having her on my team keeps me from worrying about the day-to-day things that happen in maintenance,” said one client about their HireSmart VE. “She is serious about always doing the right thing. She is amazing!” 

With HireSmart, you get a VE committed to HireSmart’s SMARTER core values of service, mindfulness, availability, respect, teamwork, ethics and integrity, and relationships. For example, to meet the “availability” expectation, VEs must respond to your inquiries within two minutes. Your time is of utmost importance, and you should never feel like you’re left hanging. Your VEs understand that daily actions guided by core values are how they create value for you — and themselves. 

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No one is perfect, but we come closest when we embrace firm values that steer our team to be a more resilient, innovative, and connected business. That’s what HireSmart is all about — linking businesses with high-value virtual employees.  

Click here to schedule a consultation and learn how HireSmart Virtual Employees can help you build authentic connections and develop a culture of success by embracing team members who understand the true meaning of SMARTER core values.