Ways To Deal With Embarrassing Moments at Work

Years later, I still remember the hush that fell over the room when I was in the middle of doing a perfect rendition of our boss that used to come into the work place and the first hour of work was hell. I did not even need to turn around to know he was standing behind right behind me. Oh that that sinking feeling. My worst virtual fear was quickly confirmed. He laughed, said that was pretty good and the next two weeks for me were hell.

No, the was definitely not laughing. Although he initially refused to let up we developed a strong
working relationship. However, I did end up doing a lot of work and got a lot of grief.

1. Know when to apologize
Taking responsibility is the way to go when you’ve committed such a faux pas.
You must make it right by acknowledging the time. Apologize in person and say that you acted in anger. If it’s part of an ongoing issue, ask what you can do to improve the relationship between the two of you. This is critical as you do not need a manager that does not support, respect or believe you in charge of your career.

You must however be able to distinguish between when to apologise and when to move on for your relationship to be able to work out.

2. Know when to ignore the incident
Whether the problem is a rude email, a wardrobe malfunction, or an office romance gone wrong, some things really are better off left unsaid. If there’s nothing you can do to make it better, by and large it’s better to ignore it. When you bring it up, you are just going to drawing more attention to it. So, just let it slide.

A friend of mine worked in an office that had an Asian boss married foreign wife. His bosses’ wife accidentally sent a seething email that was meant for her husband, unknowingly to all the staff in the entire world of that organization saying how primitive, backward, smelly…. animal like…stating all we go is beg…. have no social class. The list went on. It took the entire company aback the Kenyan staff were aghast, as the couple seem so happy (not to mention living the life) and comfortable in the country.

I wouldn’t address these personal details unless directly asked by a colleague, and most people were just to shocked to ask. Wisely the boss did not try to deny/counter the attacks but made sure he finished his contract, only for months were left and did not renew it.

Certain things just get messier, so it is wise not to mess with them. This do-nothing strategy holds true for situations triggered by social media, such as when an unflattering photo of you surfaces on another’s feed.