"Early in my career, I was tasked with instrumenting an engine with accelerometers and running tests at an expensive outside vibration test laboratory to estimate the levels of vibration that the engine mounts would have to withstand in customer service. I had never been responsible for a project like this before, but I had no doubt in my ability to do a good job. I studied drawings of the engine compartment and mounting points and decided where to put the accelerometers and how to mount them. No one in my team disagreed with my plan.

When the test data came back, it did not show the expected wave forms for the vibration amplitudes and frequencies that we knew had been applied. I consulted with an in-house vibration testing expert and he pointed out the weaknesses in the locations that I had chosen to attach the accelerometers. He showed me what the best locations would be, based on his experience. We re-ran the tests and got the data we needed.

I was very aware that I had made a big and expensive mistake. I thought I might be fired. But no one even tried to make me feel bad about it. My manager seemed to view it as a learning opportunity, and I sincerely tried to use it that way. I learned how important it was to consult with colleagues with the right expertise outside my immediate group. I learned that lack of input from your team, when none of you are experts on a subject, doesn't mean you've got it right. If you are not the expert, and the expert is right in your building, there is no excuse for not getting the right advice. I also learned that, like it or not, people will make mistakes. The best remedy is to correct the immediate mistake, figure out how to prevent it for the future, and move on."