Overcoming on-the-job embarrassment

One busy executive was horrified to learn, “I conducted a training session with my zipper down.” Another fell asleep interviewing a job candidate; a third fell off a stage while speaking at a business event.
These are but a few of the most embarrassing on-the-job moments executives admitted to in a recent OfficeTeam survey of more than 1,300 senior managers at companies with 20 or more employees in the United States and Canada.
“Nearly everyone has had an embarrassing situation at work,” said Robert Hosking, executive director of OfficeTeam, a staffing service specializing in the placement of highly skilled administrative professionals. “Although these moments can be awkward, it’s best not to dwell on them or you risk drawing more negative attention to yourself.”
Wardrobe malfunctions are common, along with mishaps around the boss and with office equipment: “I slammed my foot into the copy machine and had to be taken to the emergency room,” reported one executive in the telephone survey.
“Using humor can help you recover from uncomfortable situations,” Hosking added. “Occasionally showing a little vulnerability on the job also can make you appear more accessible and approachable to colleagues.”
Other tips for getting past such embarrassing moments:
&#8226 Remain calm. It’s easy to lose your nerves after a slipup, but try to keep your composure.
&#8226 Own up. Acknowledging a blunder before someone else does can alleviate any awkward tension that may arise.
&#8226 Make amends. If your accident affected another person, immediately apologize.
&#8226 Move on. The faster you recover, the less memorable the incident will be. &#8226