When something goes wrong, we often hear this subtle refrain. “Just don’t let that happen again.” There are variants, to be sure, but the primary message is the same. Everyone makes a mistake or has an accident, but repeat offenders are not welcome.
When someone says these words, they project authority — especially parents. Children hear this all the time, and it sets them on a path to determine what went wrong so it won’t happen again. Often there is more than one root cause in any given incident resulting in a spiral of trial and error trying to solve this mystery. Each time a similar mistake or accident happens, it’s followed up with the same closing remark. Often with the same vague trail and error hunt.
The truth is, the phrase means nothing. A better closing comment would be instructive. Such as; “Next time, try and be more mindful of your hands when placing that glass on a counter.” Or maybe, “When you’re reviewing staff goals in the future, make sure they acknowledge receipt of the information.” We hear these two phrases together so often; many people think they are one phrase. “Accidents happen. Just don’t let it happen again.” Parenting and leadership present similar challenges. We should not leave people who just suffered a setback with vague and poorly defined advice.
