Page 20 - December 2020

MY BEST WORST MISTAKE

An interview with Abiola Eluwole,
Human Resources Development Advisor

MISTAKES ARE PART of everyday life, but how This may seem like a
we deal with them is a sign of how we behave as HR simple example of
professionals. It is evidence of how genuine we are, being honest and
the extent to which our employers can trust us and admitting to
how far we can develop in the profession. In a recent mistakes as soon
interview, we were blown away by Abi with her as possible, but
attitude to her career, her ambition and how she our experience in
deals with mistakes together with her need for HR is that this
constant development and improvement. It is clear does not happen very
that Abi not only learns from her mistakes but that often.The way Abi
she is also happy for others to learn from her. Abi’s behaved is the exception—
openness, honesty and authenticity in her role is when it should be the rule. HR professionals often
apparent for all to see, infectious to listen to and a get a bad rap for not being honest. So when mistakes
joy for us—all of which she has given permission to are made, it is all the more important that we own
share with you. up to them and fix them as quickly and efficiently as
Abi works in recruitment and HR. When asked possible.
about her ‘best worst’ mistake, she shared a story We all make mistakes, but it is how we address
when she had messed up in an interview by them that sets us apart from others. Congratulations
answering an employee’s question about their annual to Abi, you have shown you are a true HR
leave if they were successful in their application. She inspiration—and a genuine professional.
had mistakenly told the employee that their
continuity of employment would be honoured.This
meant that they would be entitled to more holiday
allowance than was actually true. It was based on this
information that the employee decided to leave her
current job and move to the new company. Abi had
only been in her role for two months when this
interview took place. She panicked when she realised
she had made the mistake. In a similar situation,
most people would be tempted just to keep their
head down and wait for the sparks to fly. However,
Abi was open, honest and upfront about the whole
situation.
She told her employers what she had done and
was also honest and open with the employee in
question. Fortunately, her mistake was discovered
Image: Ylanite Koppens via Pexels
prior to the employee starting. Despite being told of
the mistake, they still decided to join the business.

Image: Jason Goh via Pixabay

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