Not My Fault

If your first response to someone wanting to discuss a problem or mistake is to declare that the issue was not your fault, I suggest that is a fault. Most things that go wrong in the real world are not the result of intentional destruction or deciding to do something stupid instead of something smart. Most mistakes are caused by misinformation, hasty decisions, or forgetfulness. These causes are more likely to be systemic – poor or incomplete information is the only kind that is typically available in day to day process, or pressure to get more work done in a certain amount of time than can be done safely, or insufficient building of habits of checking our work before we hit the “send” button.

If we are creators of environments, or managers of processes, we can improve on those systems. We can create atmospheres in which praying for wisdom and patience and self-control are the norm. If we are responsible for processes or projects, we can create our own bubble in which nothing is done without consulting the Spirit Who searches out all of Yahweh’s wisdom and knowledge. Work culture can be brought under the influence of the Kingdom of Heaven. How could it not improve?

When our response to mistakes is to learn how to avoid them in the future rather than finding who deserves the whipping, we will improve our work and our work environments.

Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord—you serve the Lord Christ. For the wrongdoer will be paid back for whatever wrong he has done, and there is no favoritism.
Masters, supply your slaves with what is right and fair, since you know that you too have a Master in heaven.
Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving.
(Colossians 3:23-4:2 HCSB ©®)