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.If you absolutely can’t miss a call—your wife having a baby is an acceptable excuse—advise the meeting participants or event host ahead of time, set the phone to vibrate, and discretely excuse yourself from the room to take the call.
Missed Meetings
Perhaps the car wouldn’t start, you overslept, the Outlook reminder never pinged, or you simply forgot. Traffic jams and mass transit also can cause unexpected delays. Call the meeting organizer the minute you realize you will be late in case the meeting can be delayed or rescheduled, or perhaps you can attend via phone as you travel to the office. In any case, always tell the truth; offering a phony excuse will reflect badly on you.Always be willing to reschedule at the other party’s convenience. If you’re in danger of losing business, follow up by sending an apology note with a gift card to a local coffee shop or another small business gift. Most importantly, be early to all future meetings.
Missed Deadline
A missed deadline sends a negative message. At the first sign that a project will not be completed on time, reach out to all concerned parties and ask if a postponement is possible. If the deadline has already passed, speak to your immediate supervisor.Start with a straightforward apology. Explain what happened, even if it’s a simple, “I underestimated how long it would take to pull the necessary data together.” The rest of the conversation/email/letter should focus on your solution: “I will work evenings to make up for lost time,” etc. Give a new estimated completion date, confirm that it’s acceptable, and thank the other party for their understanding. Then get to work.
Party Time
If you find yourself underdressed at that land-mine-prone event known as The Company Christmas Party, acknowledge it: “I’m sorry, I didn’t know I needed a tie!” Spiff up your outfit as much as you can. For ladies, perhaps a co-worker has a colorful scarf at their desk to dress things up; guys can look for a tie in the lost-and-found box. Be low-key and don’t draw excess attention to yourself, especially when you’re with your bosses and their bosses.If, however, you wake up the next morning and realize you sang dreadful karaoke (even though there wasn’t a karaoke machine), apologize ASAP to your superiors. Make it clear you understand the severity of the infraction, particularly if there were clients attending, and assure them sincerely that it won’t happen again.
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