Embrace mistakes

Mistakes happen. The question is how is one to handle them?
Also, is it possible to actually benefit from mistakes?
I remember an issue that I was involved with. The feedback received was:
- A mistake occurred
- Time was taken to identify the mistake
- The reason the mistake happened was discussed
- Steps were initiated to correct the mistake
- A system of checks were set up to ensure that the mistake does not repeat itself
- Apologies were verbalized and ownership of the error was properly undertaken

Whether it be with Customs or cooking, it is not the actual mistake that is the primary focus but how the mistake was handled. How one embraces the mistake!

Similar to perseverance. See Blog posting: 
https://customsandcooking.blogspot.com/2021/08/perseverance.html 

Time and time again, I read articles, social media posts, etc. about how mistakes can be viewed as positive because it becomes a learning journey. The trouble arises when a mistake has either not been used to become better or when it occurs multiple times.
On the flip side, a mistake can become very positive as there are occasions where something was defined as a mistake but in actuality the outcome was what was intended. Albeit this scenario does not happen often but always brings on a positive sigh of relief.

Here are some examples...
The photo below was Sunday morning breakfast.
Some garlic bread toast, cut veggies and eggs with cheese. Does not look so appetizing. 
I was reviewing a recipe where the egg yolks are placed in the skillet. Once the texture is solid, the egg yolks are rolled up and the egg whites are poured into the skillet. Once ready, the yolks are rolled into the whites. Then, again once the texture allows, cheese and diced veggies are put into the skillet to roll the egg into them. I tried the technique but it did not work. 
Instead of throwing away the dish, I served it and to my surprise, everyone said it tasted superlative!!!
Phew...
Did not look right but tasted great.

Similarly with Customs, mistakes arise every day. I tend to define mistakes in Customs as inaccuracies. For example, there is an accurate HS code and then there is a more accurate HS code.
The value used required additional pieces of information to be accurate.
Origin certification for a product needed an entire list of raw materials to be accumulated to ensure the accurate certification of the product under the respective FTA.
The list goes on and on.

Another aspect of mistakes within Customs is the strong (or lack of a) partnership. Obtaining clearance and release of shipments from Customs is not a simple task. Being aligned with a Customs Broker does not automatically mean that every single declaration will be accurate.
Let's look at this for a moment.
Shipment is pending release and the documents are forwarded to the Customs Broker. The descriptions on the documents do not contain all the information required to input all the necessary information. 

(As a side note, interestingly enough, the Canadian Auditor General in their 2017 report outlined that there are significant amount of shipments entering Canada where clearance documents do not have enough information for proper analysis and declaration purposes.
See 2.14 at https://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/english/parl_oag_201705_02_e_42224.html) 
If there is not enough information for Customs then there is not enough information for the broker either.

Back to the shipment...
The database that the broker has compiled was not reviewed by experts to ensure that accuracy of the data has been verified and confirmed.
The shipment is released and two years later the shipment is under audit for trade data. 
Customs finds inaccuracies with the HS classification of certain goods.
The importer is not happy that the broker "made a mistake".
I dare say that in this case, there were multiple mistakes. The main one being that a proper partnership was not developed.
Did the importer request additional services to assist with the database to compile the accurate information? 
When a new SKU was in the development stage, did the importer initiate due diligence to obtain the information about Customs and to ensure that the clearance team received this information?
Where and how did the mistake actually occur?
The strong partnership between an importer and a broker would allow for the mistake analysis (see above bullet points) to take place. 
There are definitely occasions where brokers and service teams make mistakes.
Believe it or not, I make mistakes.
Learning from and embracing the mistakes will make the individual, team and partnership stronger.

Even after the mistake with breakfast, it tasted great.
Working together as a team and developing the partnership will allow for future mistakes to be mitigated.

EMBRACE MISTAKES!



Shout out to Mr. Brian Staples for all of the collaboration we have had throughout the years and for the great idea for this BLOG post.

Location: Montreal, QC, Canada

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