Repeat after me, “I will never assume a thing anymore”
My boss came to me one time, and said ‘pass the following entries quickly‘. Hearing the word quickly, gave me the impression that it was really urgent. And yes I did that ‘quickly’, but that soon became one of my most regretful actions as a young accountant. The mistake I made was really simple, I didn’t ask why and never bothered to even know the impact on the account or what the contents of the entries were. It came from my boss (a superior authority), and he needed it done urgently.
What an assumption!
How do you really know you’re human, if you are not prone to mistakes? What’s the essence of vulnerability if you claim to be perfect?
Well, the day of reckoning came although not ‘quickly’. I have not felt so stupid as I did that day. I was quizzed non-stop. Why did you pass these entries? What were they meant for? Did you realize the impact it’s had on the account? What were you trying to achieve? Who asked you to pass them? Did you even look through the entries?
‘Omo, I wan die‘ in pidgin language best described that moment. The equivalence of saying “ground, swallow me”. The situation was bleaker because my boss wasn’t around. I sat down and thought about my life again and again. I got out of it eventually by reversing the initial ones and posting the correct ones, this time around with a full understanding of what I was doing. Trust me, it was an experience I don’t think I can easily bin.
On the flip, I’m grateful it happened. It was one that really shaped my life for good. A reflection on my growth earlier this week made me appreciate it more.
I learnt from that day onwards,
Lessons Learnt
1. It’s better to know what you’re doing, why you’re doing it, than assume. Never work based on assumptions. Verify the facts.
2. Nothing is really urgent if it will come back to haunt you. Do it right ab initio.
3. Nobody is coming to save you from your own mess. You’d clean it by yourself. Actions have consequences
4. Ask questions. Again, ask questions. Ask till you are satisfied. Don’t be naive.
5. Understand the processes. Work with the consequences in mind.
6. Your output is someone else’s input. Save yourself the stress of double work.
Have you had similar experiences, please share in the comments sections. Let’s learn.
EminentGoldRules…
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