Don’t Quit: How to Recover From Business Mistakes With Dignity

Don’t Quit: How to Recover From Business Mistakes With Dignity
Part of professionalism is knowing how to properly deal with—and learn from—your mistakes. fizkes/Shutterstock
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Things happen: Maybe you missed a big meeting or performed horrendous karaoke at the company Christmas party, or perhaps your cellphone went off at the worst possible moment. Relax, you don’t have to find a new job. To err is human; to salvage your reputation, read on.

Hello, Mr. ...

The internet is filled with tips and tricks to remember business associates’ names, and for good reason. Unless you have a photographic memory, chances are you’re going to forget someone’s name at some point—and, of course, it will be someone very important.
Simply own up to it: “I am so sorry; I don’t recall your name.” Don’t elaborate or rationalize. If you want to make it clear that you remember them, just not their name, say something like, “Forgive me, I know we met at last year’s expo. I remember the great conversation we had about the summer sales season [or some other key detail], but I’m going blank on your name.”

Ring, Ring

Few things make you wish the floor would open up and swallow you whole more than having “Born to be Wild” suddenly blast from your phone during a meeting or presentation. To avoid looking rude and unprofessional, say, “I’m sorry, let me silence that.” Do not offer a lengthy explanation or, worse yet, make a joke. Take care to not look at the caller I.D., as that sends the signal you think the caller may be more important than the people you’re with.
Sandy Lindsey
Sandy Lindsey
Author
Sandy Lindsey is an award-winning writer who covers home, gardening, DIY projects, pets, and boating. She has two books with McGraw-Hill.
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