“Career Couch: Making the Most of Your Workplace Mistakes” by Phyllis Korkki (New York Times, 18 January 2009). Funny thing is, when you’re a scientist they call it R&D. In that space it’s expected that you try new things, make mistakes, “fail”, etc. We’re all human and it’s pointless to live in fear of being so. What’s unfortunate is that there are organizations where such an approach is frowned upon. The good news is such organization are destined to fail and don’t last long in that form. Worst case, update your resume and move on for place that’s better for you.