Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Tyra Mail! Surviving Worst-Case Work Scenarios

"When disaster strikes the workplace (i.e., you screw up), we've got your survival plan.

running5.jpgFear not the wrath of "The Devil Wears Prada" boss -- everyone makes mistakes. When your boss asks for coffee, don't spin yourself into a frenzy for putting skim milk in it instead of two percent, just do some damage control. We've got plans to save your cute little butt (and your job) when you mess up big time!

You Got Caught Perusing the Job Boards
Don't try to pawn the search off on a lame excuse, like "The jobs are for my cousin!" The more professional you can be in this situation, the better. Your boss may very well talk to you to see how to improve your day-to-day experience. Or, you might get fired. While this blunder could spell doom for you at your current job, it also may be just the ammunition you need to get out and find what will truly make you happy.

You Entered the "Reply All" Death Trap

This one has become such a constant office fear that most of us channel Santa: making an e-mail list and checking it twice before sending out a message that's naughty and not so nice. If you do accidentally send a mean or embarrassing message to everyone, the only thing to do is to take the walk of shame to the injured party and beg for forgiveness. Your honesty should save you, but be extra careful -- repeat offenders won't escape unscathed.

You Spaced and Forgot to Prep for a Meeting
Fake it 'til you make it. Don't act flustered or freaked out -- and whatever you do, don't tell anyone that you sooo forgot about this meeting. Just grab a notebook, take tons of notes, nod when others talk and try to add your own thoughts when you can. This way, even if you have no idea what to say, everyone else will think that you're really engaged and on top of things."
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