Negligence

Once is ignorance and twice is negligence.
Years ago I had something to do with sponsors.  There is a protocol that is followed.  I was learning as I went.  It was all new to me.  I remember I did something that meant his business was not promoted as expected.
I could see where they were coming from, so I wrote to the guy apologising.  The letter included the statement above “once is ignorance and twice is negligence.”  He was great and we enjoyed a good relationship.  But I never forgot that part of my letter. 
I admit it has become a bit of a mantra of mine.  As far as I am concerned everyone is entitled to a mistake.  In fact, what is said above can be varied depending on the heart of the person involved. 
My thinking is very much “are people affected by the action.” Where I answer yes, I feel I need to take action immediately.  I cannot afford to see people adversely affected.
But by the same token there are things where people are not affected, and more time can be given to getting it right.  I remember I was encouraged to use a certain email.  I had been using another.  What was needed happened but using what was recommended was better.  It took a few times, but I got it right in the end.
I just do not think it is right to expect perfection of another when I know perfection is not me.  Everyone I think needs room to grow.  I was very grateful this seemed to be the philosophy of my boss at work.  Make a mistake once and it is understandable but make it twice and I have a problem.
I am seeing a lot of rushing to judgement at the moment.  There seems to be little scope for error or the sense of walking in another’s shoes (consequences are a given, my actions are a choice).  I remember from somewhere someone saying, “the definition of a friend is someone who, when you make a mistake, does not think you have done a permanent job.”
Making mistakes comes with the territory.  Forgiving and assisting is and always will be my choice.