What kind of small mistakes would you let slide on a new workers first day?

For me, it depends on the mistake and the attitude behind it. Leaving a ladder or a tool behind on day one isn’t ideal, but it’s also not the end of the world if the person owns it, fixes it, and shows they actually care. I’m big on accountability. If you can admit it, correct it, and not make it a pattern, we’re good.  

Red flags for me are excuses, blame-shifting, or acting like the mistake isn’t a big deal. I can teach skills all day, but I can’t teach work ethic or character. First-day nerves are normal, lack of responsibility isn’t.