Take action or let it go?

[lilmutegirl]

I recently made a mistake at work (a dumb mistake, at that...it never should have been an issue). Had I realized it days ago, I would have corrected the situation. However, I did not, and my boss got a call from her boss (while we were in a meeting) asking her about it. The boss's boss does not attribute the mistake to me, but to my boss (which is good, because she is pretty intimidating). I had to leave work right after our meeting, so my boss and I did not talk about the incident, but I overheard her on the phone, and as I was leaving, she asked if I needed to leave right then.
My concern is that she wants to talk to me about the incident (she has every right to, as I overlooked something simple and it affected her). I am not scheduled to see her until Sunday. I figure I have two options:
1) Bring it up myself, own that I made a mistake, and explain how I plan on avoiding the same mistake again, while apologizing (I do feel really bad about it...it has been weighing on me since yesterday when I found out). I can either do this on Sunday, or make an effort to talk to her before then
2) Not say anything, and hope she forgets about it, and doesn't hold it against me. Frankly, my boss has a lot going on in her life, so it is entirely possible she will get distracted and forget this whole episode. However, if she does remember, I will feel awkward talking to her. She seems to like me in general, and likely realizes I did not do this on purpose.
If I bring it up, I will feel like I have some control in the situation (in that I will know whether or not it is settled) and closure.
If I do not, I will likely remain anxious, but could potentially avoid an uncomfortable situation which may dissipate over time.
What do you think I should do?

 

[Griffin]

I'd speak to your boss and just admit that you made a silly mistake. Get it off your chest, your conscience will be clear, and your boss will see that you're taking the responsible action in dealing with the mistake.

A lot of people like to pass their mistakes off because of someone else's fault - there are occasions where that's valid - but few people willing to hold their own hand up to admit fault.

I assume here that it's nothing so serious that would lead to disciplinary action. (If that were the case, I'd expect your boss would be the one contacting you.)

 

[Entangled]

#1

I know it will be difficult to admit but if you consider yourself a good and honest worker you will have to take responsibility for your mistakes. I've made my share of mistakes at my jobs >.> and I always came forward.

I mean it's better to do that then having them find out that it was you through other means and have it bite you in the rear.

 

[Gieky]

#1 sounds like a really good plan, good thinking! While it may be uncomfortable to deal with right now, your boss may have more respect for you because of it and long term that is a good thing.

 

[bcsr]

Definitely #1. People make mistakes... it happens. It's how you deal with it afterwards that matters. Believe it or not, admitting to an error and explaining a plan to avoid it in the future will probably make you look better than if you'd never messed up in the first place.

 

[FountainandFairfax]

Go ahead and take care of it.

She'll appreciate your initiative and when all of this blows over, it will actually look good for you.

Afterwards, you'll have the relief of knowing you did the responsible thing.

Then come back and tell us how it went.

 

[BlueDays]

I agree with the others. No 1 is the best way to go. Otherwise you will be worrying about it for a long time, and having something causing you dread is not good for your health.
At least if you bring it up it will then free up your mind to concentrate on everything else.

 

[alxbkr]

No one's perfect. Go with #1. Your honesty will be appreciated too

 

[theoutsider]

I guess I'm late to the conversation so am not sure if you decided to talk to her before Sunday or not. Anyway, I would definitely bring it up first. It will give you more peace of mind and will show her that you are mature enough to take responsibility for your own mistakes. I'm sure she realizes that nobody is perfect.

 

[lilmutegirl]

Update: I went out of my way to talk to her Saturday night (I also brought her dinner, which I occasionally do). As soon as I brought it up, she dismissed it like it was no big deal, and didn't seem to blame me at all. I was concerned for nothing.