Recovering From A Fumble At The Office

July 8, 2015

By Brian Maynor

 

We all make mistakes. It’s a part of life and learning; but what can hurt is how you deal with it.

Here are a few of the most common work mistakes we’ve all made at one point in time and how HR experts think are the best ways to handle them so everyone can move on:

 

1.   In a nutshell. When mistakes occur there is one basic approach that applies to just about all of them. First acknowledge the mistake, and then apologize for it. Follow up the apology with an action plan on preventing it from happening again so you can get over it and on with your life.

2.   Missed Meetings or Deadlines. We all know this is bad. Along with sending the message that the person or project is not important to you, a lot of people compound the situation by making excuses that are all about them. “It’s been a hectic day.” “My calendar didn’t remind me.” “I have so much going on I got mixed up.” Whether these statements are accompanied with an apology or doesn’t make the situation better.   Instead of your excuses, you should focus on acknowledging that put everyone else out and have taken steps so that it doesn’t happen again.

3.   Secret Interviews. Whether you’re frustrated with your current job or just want something different chances are you won’t be able to hide the fact you’re interviewing for a new job for long, and if your boss finds out second hand it could be really awkward and damaging to your current position. If that happens use the opportunity to talk about your current situation and work out a plan for the future, whether you stay at that job or not.

4.   Over-served with colleagues. We’ve all been to work events where someone drinks a little too much and shows out. Whether it’s a weekly happy hour, holiday party or function doesn’t really matter. The fallout is going to be the same. Calling in sick the next day is the worse thing you could do. As crappy as you may feel you need to suck it up and own up to your behavior. Meet with your boss and apologize for the situation and then apologize to everyone directly affected. In the future monitor your drinking more closely. As long as it doesn’t become a habit, you and your reputation should be fine.

5.   Wore the wrong outfit. Sometimes we just miss the memo and show up to what you think is a casual meeting that in reality is a formal one. When you aren’t dressed appropriately not only do you look and feel out of place, your creditability is affected as is your competence. Instead of ignoring the fact, address it and then move on. If you can make a little joke out of it even better. The good news is you should feel comfortable with whatever you’re wearing, so take strength in that and get on with your presentation. In the future opt on the side of over-dressing instead of underdressing.

 

No one is perfect, as hard as we try, so mistakes will happen. When they do just remember these three basic rules and you’ll be fine: 1) address the mistake head on; 2) apologize and then 3) get over it. Dwelling on it does absolutely no good.

 

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

Female.Fumble

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

Male.Fumble

 

 

I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyborads at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

 

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