If You Made a Big Mistake, Come with a Solution, Not Just an Apology

Owning a mistake is step one, but don't stop there. Before you walk into your manager's office, spend ten minutes thinking about what you'd do to fix it. You don't need a perfect answer -- even two or three options show that you're thinking forward, not just confessing. This shifts the conversation from blame to problem-solving, and it signals that you're someone who takes responsibility for outcomes, not just feelings.