Dignify mistakes and questions

Madeline Hunter’s Mastery Teaching has a concept I’ve found useful: dignify mistakes to promote learning.

• People dread being wrong or looking stupid. Or at least it sure seems that way. Many people hesitate to ask questions or put themselves out there and try things for fear of looking dumb.

• You (should) want people to learn and ask questions. It’s not possible to never make a mistake or know everything (at least for me). Unless you’re going to micromanage others, you need folks to try things, ask questions, and make themselves. And then of course get to the right answer.

• Go out of your way to not make people feel dumb. For example, when answering questions, I like to first acknowledge the question as a good one (“great question!”). Then give a couple hints (time and context permitting).

• While still insisting on getting to the right answer. This doesn’t mean someone asking a question has no burden. They still have to get to the right answer, if possible. Assuming good faith on their part, it’s still critical that they correct their mistake or understanding.

I can’t recommend Mastery Teaching enough. It’s about teaching in schools, but applies so much to my work (what are tech companies doing if not learning how to solve user needs?).