Last week, I was reviewing a layout for one of my team mates. We had created a complex table layout that contained a form. Each first column was a label, the second column was the field itself and the third contained a series of actions you could take on that field. You could, for example, remove it, set its value to something else, or reset it.
I wasn't sure how we'd correctly identify the buttons to a screen reader, so that they would be read aloud as "Remove some value" instead of just a bunch of "Remove" without meaning.
One of the options was to go with a aria-label for each button. I later found out from Adrian Roselli an even better way to do it. But that was later.
Back then, I advised my team to "name each button separately."
And I thought I was done.
Until I saw the PR.
They've changed the value of each button so that each is actually showing the action name plus the field label, making a complete mess of the UI.
This was not their mistake. This was my mistake.
What in my mind was perfectly clear when I said "name each button separately," turns out was very vague for everyone else. I had (obviously) meant use an aria-label to name each button separately and leave the value alone. I say obviously - but it was anything but.
That's okay. Mistakes are okay. They will happen and they shouldn't trip you up or, worse, mess up the relationship. Admitting them is not a sign of weakness, but a cornerstone of my profession.
I can see two critical junctures for admitting mistakes: early and late. Admitting mistakes early solves problems. Admitting them later creates problems.
Given the opportunity, I choose to proactively disclose a mistake to a client or colleague. This invariably strengthens our relationship. It shows my commitment to transparency and continuous improvement. It shows that I value their trust more than my ego.
Delaying confessions erode trust faster than any initial mistake ever could. They cast doubt on my expertise and integrity, damaging professional relationships I've worked hard to build. They leave clients feeling deceived and team mates disheartened.
Admitting mistakes early takes guts, but it's the best course of action if you want to strengthen your relationships and build trust. For me, honesty isn't just the best policy. It's the only acceptable one.
I quickly owned up to my mistake and I took it one step further. I fixed the code for them myself.
Next time you notice you made a mistake, be quick to put up your hand and admit it. You'll be surprised of how you'll feel yourself and what responses you'll get.