Mistakes on the job

Mistakes on the job

Even if it seems minor, it may be the mistake that can ruin your work/life balance

1. Making an inappropriate joke. When you get into a hole, don't keep digging. Don't try another joke to offset the first. Acknowledge you offended and apologize. 2. Caught talking about someone behind his or her back. Don't pretend nothing happened. Own your gaffe. Your apology depends on the offended party — you might want to go short and sweet, "That was out of line, I'm sorry. Next time I'll talk to you directly." If your boss or a manager is the offended party, try this: "I'm so sorry about what I said. I was frustrated and let it get the best of me. I hope you'll be able to forgive me because I truly enjoy working here. I won't talk behind your back in the future." 3. Insulting someone without realizing it. Own your misstep and try to deflect. Let's say you make fun of people who ballroom dance and your manager then tells you he loves to ballroom dance, "You do? We'll I've been wrong about other things, that's for sure!"