We all have been there and done that. Job goof ups have come back to haunt us and we thought we would never recover from them. But don’t let that one hiccup break your confidence or your career. Here are eight solutions to get back on your feet from some common on-the-job slip ups.
You made a big error: Mistakes happen; what your boss wants to hear is that you are taking responsibility. Come up with a recovery plan to deal with the crisis and provide solutions.
You unknowingly hit ‘reply all’: You just fired off an email to your work buddy bitching about an annoying colleague. Uh oh! Don’t kill yourself yet. If he/she confronts you, apologise and make it up to him/her by taking him/her out to lunch or completing an assignment. If she’s still upset, give her space. Time heals all wounds.
You missed a deadline: Give coworkers a heads-up as soon as you realise this. Explain your reasons; they have probably been in your shoes, too! Communicate how much longer you are going to take.
Skipped a meeting: Missing a meeting, even by accident, sends the unintended message: ‘You are not important’. Sincerely apologise to every person who was inconvenienced. Assure them that it won’t be a recurring issue. And if you are the manager, it’s even more crucial to be on time. If you are not serious, don’t expect your team to be serious about these meetings.
Boss found out you are interviewing somewhere else: This can be a really awkward situation! If you haven’t been dishonest, then your conversation is more of an explanation than an apology. But if you have been less than forthright, apologise to your manager and communicate the reason(s). Even if you do accepting a job elsewhere, it’s never wise to burn a bridge!
Went overboard in an office party: You are nursing a hangover, but no matter how tempting it may be to call in sick, DON’T do it! If you were just a little tipsy, there is no need to do major damage control. But if things got wild, schedule a meeting with your boss to apologise. Face the issue head-on, because the longer you avoid him, the tenser the situation will become. Let him know this is not a reflection of who you are; you simply misjudged your alcohol intake. Hold up your end of the bargain by drinking minimally at future office events.
Dressed down: When your outfit is not what the workplace demands, you may come across as uncaring. If fashion is not your thing, take help from your colleagues. Ask them for places to check out the best deals, if you are on a shoestring budget. Or take your fashion-savvy friend along with you to shop!
Caught partying on your sick leave: You called in sick, but your boss was at the same hotel as you. He spotted you having a lunch party with your buddies. All hell broke loose! When you get to work the next day, come clean to your boss. Assure him/her that you will be honest in the future.
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