While taking some time to refresh myself on ‘going back to basics’, I revisited Stephen R. Covey’s book 7 Habits of Highly Effective People for the second or third time. Mr. Covey believes that we need to infuse our organizations with lots of independent team members. One way to achieve this is by being prepared to resolve mistakes that are predicated by poor decisions. As leaders, how we react to a misstep is key in helping those around us learn to work autonomously and ultimately, when appropriate, interdependently.

First, let’s remember that mistakes do happen. That is a reality in any operation. However, we also want our people to feel comfortable approaching us about these occurrences right away. These situations present an opportunity for a leader to help group members in correcting the problem before it grows into a larger complication with possibly unmanageable consequences.

For example: Let’s suppose that you asked one of your team members to assist you in creating and putting together a press kit. He or she took the proper initiative and had the documents they created proof-read. With their proof-readers approval of the draft, your co-worker had several thousand copies printed. The press kits were then stuffed into envelopes before he or she re-read the copy themselves only to discover that a crucial word had been omitted.

Your team member has two choices: Let it go, mail the kits and hope the typo isn’t noticed, or he/she can approach you and report what has happened. If they are comfortable with the way they’ve seen you handle similar scenarios, they will willingly inform you of the mistake having faith that you’ll objectively give direction and delegate an appropriate response. Conversely, if you have intimidated your work group with rash consequences in the past, the results will very likely be less favorable for the overall perceived value of your team and possibly cause irreparable damage to your organization.

When we stay calm and keep our composure, our leadership skills show. These are the qualities that help build a great team of players that will not lay blame or point fingers; Those who appreciate the value of teamwork and most importantly: A team that feels comfortable enough to ask for advice. Hence, when Stephen Covey said “Interdependence is only a choice independent people can make”, he meant it for us: Team Players.