Final answer:
The best leadership approach following an employee's mistake is to focus on resolving the problem collectively with the team, promoting a learning culture over punitive measures. This approach encourages accountability and a healthy working environment where mistakes are seen as opportunities for improvement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best thing a leader can do when an employee makes a mistake is to focus on fixing the error collaboratively and learning from the situation. Option 2, arranging a meeting with employees to focus on resolving the problem together, stands out as the most constructive and supportive approach. It encourages teamwork, ensures nobody is singled out, which could create a hostile work environment, and promotes an organizational culture of learning from errors rather than punishing them. This approach aligns with the principle of being flexible in the face of changing priorities and assignments, suggesting that being approachable and respectful will lead to better outcomes than a confrontational or punitive approach.
However, if the problem is significant or the same errors continue to occur, it may be necessary to involve the supervisor or HR department to ensure that the employee receives the appropriate support or guidance and that the workplace maintains high standards and accountability. Maintaining transparency and open communication with the team is key to handling such situations professionally, whilst allowing employees to own up to their mistakes and learn from them can foster an environment conducive to growth and improvement.