Mistakes How To Survive Them And Make Them Work For You

When you have made a mistake, your impulse may be to bury it and run away from it. However, doing so means missing an opportunity. We talk to successful women about the mistakes they have made and how they turned them around

- Ellen Whyte

“I have to think fast on my feet. When I make MISTAKES, people may die”

Sumitra Visvanathan, 49, is no stranger to pain and suffering. For 17 years, she was a United Nations humanitarian aid worker who helped displaced men, women and children in war zones. Today, she is executive director of the Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO), an NGO that focuses on helping victims of domestic violence.

"To do this kind of work, you have to think fast on your feet, knowing that at any time, if you should get it wrong, it can result in someone’s death,” says Sumitra.

Working under tremendous pressure can cloud one’s thinking – which is why crisis workers have to learn a set of principles and then apply them rigorously to every situation. This helps to promote best practices and avoid known problems. However, the system is not perfect.

“If you get it right 75 percent of the time, you are actually doing great,” says Sumitra. “Unfortunately, the trouble is that the wrong decisions – the other 25 percent – affects real people. It can really get to you, knowing what can happen if things do not go well.”

In her current role, she helps victims of domestic violence who need a lot of protection. However, they often suffer from prolonged stress and fear, which leads to depression, anxiety and other mental health issues.

“In our shelter, we cannot take anyone with untreated active mental health conditions because we are not trained to cope,” explains Sumitra. “Even if the case is compelling, we still have to say no.”

When the situation is clear, applicants are referred to WAO. However, in crisis, clarity can be hard to find.