We’ve all been there. Clicking “Reply All†on a personal e-mail. Caught with your zipper down in an elevator filled with coworkers. Taking a nasty tumble after a major speech. Disclosing touchy information to the wrong person. The list of embarrassing moments workers face can go on and on. Before running to find solace underneath your desk, take heed to these three quick steps for an easy comeback:
Stay calm. It’s easy to panic after a slip-up, but try to keep your composure. Although it may feel like the end of the world at that moment, take a deep breath to get yourself together. When you relax, you’ll be better able to deal with handling the aftermath appropriately.
Own up. Humor is almost always the best bet when it comes to rebounding from a slight embarrassment because it will put everyone at ease (and keep you from crying!) If humor is not acceptable in that moment, seriously acknowledge the situation, apologize and make amends if necessary.
Move on. Instead of replaying the cringe-worthy scene in your mind over and over again, allow yourself to feel embarrassed for a little bit and then move on. Everyone experiences an awkward moment or two in the office. Once you move on, everyone else will too.