Even the most conscientious employees make mistakes or have lapses in judgment sometimes. When you get in trouble at work, it can be embarrassing and worrisome. But with the right response, you can remedy the situation and rebuild trust
Follow these steps to take accountability, correct course, and demonstrate your commitment to improvement after facing criticism at work.
Take Responsibility
If your manager or supervisor addresses an issue with your performance or behavior, avoid getting defensive. Even if you feel the feedback is unfair, listen sincerely to understand their perspective.
Thank them for raising the concern and making you aware. Take ownership by acknowledging the role you played without blaming external factors. Express regret for any negative impact on the team or company.
Sincerely apologizing and taking accountability will go a long way towards smoothing things over.
Ask for Advice on How to Improve
Demonstrate that you want to learn from the experience Ask your manager for specific guidance on preventing future mistakes and excelling in your role
Inquire about any training, mentoring or other resources available. Developing a plan together shows commitment to growth.
Asking for help conveys you don’t want this to be just a slap on the wrist. You aim to substantially improve.
Establish Strategies to Get Back on Track
Next, propose strategies based on the feedback provided. If you missed a deadline, outline better time management tactics. If you had poor attendance, share plans for improving reliability.
Suggest opportunities to display improvement like taking on an extra project or leading a new team initiative Recommend check-ins where you report progress and get additional coaching
Presenting solutions demonstrates proactive problem solving.
Share Your Plan for Moving Forward
Schedule a follow-up meeting with your manager. Provide a written document or slide presentation reviewing:
- The constructive feedback you received
- Lessons you learned from the experience
- Action plans and next steps you’ve developed
- How you hope to reestablish trust and exceed expectations
Sharing your roadmap gives visibility into the work you’ve done to improve. It shows you took the matter seriously.
Seek Ongoing Feedback and Assessment
In closing, convey that you welcome consistent input regarding your performance. Invite your manager to provide blunt, real-time feedback even when things are going well.
Check in regularly about how they feel you are progressing. Be receptive to suggestions for getting back on course if you veer off track again.
Embracing continual feedback demonstrates commitment to lasting change. It will build confidence that the issue is behind you.
Rebuild Damaged Work Relationships
If your actions negatively impacted teammates or colleagues, take steps to repair those working relationships.
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Apologize one-on-one to those affected, without excuses.
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Ask how you can make amends and regain their trust.
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Actively demonstrate renewed teamwork and consideration of their needs.
With sincerity and patience, you can rebuild damaged connections.
Extra Redemption Tips for Serious Infractions
For more serious violations of company policy:
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Cooperate fully with HR investigations.
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Complete any required training or suspensions before resuming duties.
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Volunteer for probationary periods with extra oversight.
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Proactively communicate progress and appreciation of second chances to leadership.
Go above and beyond in your response to get back in good standing after major issues.
View It as a Valuable Learning Opportunity
While being reprimanded at work is unpleasant, treat it as a growth experience. Getting constructive criticism is a gift if you leverage it.
Let it motivate you to improve and exceed expectations in your role. Earning back trust will strengthen your resilience, professionalism and work relationships.
By responding maturely, you can gain the ultimate reprieve: becoming an even better employee.
Getting in trouble at work happens. The key is responding with humility, accountability, and action. Adopt feedback without ego or excuses. Dedicate yourself to making meaningful change.
With time and consistent effort, you can put the incident behind you. Use it as fuel to elevate your performance and demonstrate the caliber of colleague you aspire to be.
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What to Do If You Make a Mistake at Work [How to Handle It]
What is the worst feeling at work?
You’re tackling a typical day at the office, juggling meetings, phone calls, and that hyperactive inbox of yours, when suddenly it hits you—the worst possible feeling to have at work. Your heart drops, your face goes cold, and your adrenaline kicks in. You’ve just realized you’ve made a mistake. What’s the best job for you?
What makes a bad work situation?
Often what makes for a bad work situation is that your boss or co-workers, treat you unfairly. Maybe they give you work to do that is outside the realm of your responsibility. Perhaps you have a manager who talks down to you. Learn to say ‘no!’ You can do this respectfully and assuredly.
What should you do if you make a mistake at work?
The best thing you can do when you make a mistake at work is to find and create solutions to the problem. Depending on the situation, it might not always be possible. But most of the time, there’s something you can do to correct the issue or find an alternative way to handle it.
What happens if you make a mistake at work?
With very few exceptions—like if you’re a pilot, surgeon, or military personnel—making an error at work is not a life-or-death situation, and most mistakes can be resolved or corrected right away. So you uploaded the wrong file, double-booked an important meeting, showed up late for a presentation, or included a typo in an important report.
