THINGS DON’T ALWAYS GO TO PLAN
Drive by Friday
–
Drive by Friday –
If there’s one universal truth in work (and life), it’s this:
Things don’t always go to plan.
No matter how organised we are, how many times we double-check the details, or how polished our process might be… sometimes the wheels fall off. And guess what? That’s perfectly normal.
In the Novated Leasing, Salary Packaging, and Fleet world, we’re surrounded by processes, compliance, approvals, timelines, and - of course - people. And when people are involved, things can and will go sideways from time to time. A missed signature. An incorrect deduction. A delivery delay. A misunderstanding. A new policy someone totally meant to email but didn’t. A candidate who seemed like a “yes” turning into a “maybe” or a “no” overnight.
It happens.
Owning the Oops
One of the most underrated strengths in our industry is the ability to own our mistakes quickly and confidently. Not with excuses. Not with deflection. Just honest accountability.
Because when something goes wrong, clients and candidates don’t expect perfection - they expect communication and a plan to fix it.
Sometimes that “fix” is a process update.
Sometimes it’s retraining the team.
Sometimes it’s admitting, “Yep… that one’s on us.”
It’s not weakness. It’s leadership.
Changing the Way We Do Things
Every misstep is data. Every glitch is an opportunity to refine. Every “that didn’t go how we expected” moment is a chance to strengthen the way we operate.
It’s easy to celebrate wins. It’s harder - yet far more valuable - to improve from the moments we’d rather forget.
Some of the best systems, scripts, checklists, and safeguards in our industry were built on the back of something that went wrong. Those bumps in the road end up being the reason we become sharper, faster, and more effective.
The Human Element
We aren’t robots. Thank goodness.
We’re human - flawed, learning, adapting.
And when we’re willing to laugh at the chaos, reset the route, and keep moving, we’re better for it.
So this week, here’s to:
The mistakes that teach us.
The changes that improve us.
The setbacks that strengthen us.
And the moments that remind us we don’t have to be perfect—just committed to doing better.
Have a great weekend, and remember:
Even the best drivers take a wrong turn sometimes. What matters is how quickly you get back on course.
Oops… but make it productive
Every setback has a comeback in it.
STAY CONNECTED WITH SIMPLI-U
Don’t miss the latest Drive by Friday articles and recruitment insights - visit our blog and follow Simpli-U to stay up to date.
Lorraine Singer
Director & Consultant,
Simpli-U Recruitment Solutions for the Novated Leasing, Salary Packaging & Automotive sectors Services Australia-wide
Solutions all about ‘U’ — for both clients & candidates