3qtr2006 - Feature Article

C.L.E.A.N. up your Mess

In preparing for an interview with the Chicago Tribune last month (Moving on often best fix for blunders) I was asked to consider what steps an employee should take to recover from having embarrassed the boss.

Certainly there's a "clean-up" function that's required. And to that end, here's a C.L.E.A.N. acronym for doing exactly that:

C, as in COP to it - You screwed up; now admit it. Even if your mistake was having misjudged how your boss would react to what you did, you really do have to take responsibility for the impact your actions had, ASAP. No ifs, ands, or buts.

L, as in LISTEN for the deeper issue - We already know that bosses don't always say what they mean. So if, as example, your boss starts criticizing you for something you said at a meeting with more senior managers, chances are you inadvertently embarrassed him/her. Did you contradict something s/he said? Misstate some key facts? Comment in a way that was "off message"? Encourage your boss to tell you what's really at issue. Ask what s/he is not telling you. Get the real story.

E, as in ECHO your apology - Once you understand exactly how you embarrassed your boss, apologize. Express your regret in such a way that s/he can't help but realize that: (a) you truly are sorry; and (b) you understand what you did wrong. Then ask if you should apologize to anyone else about this. It's a gracious extra step that can help rebuild bridges and mend fences.

A, as in ACT professionally - You may be put in the dog-house for a while, but depending on circumstances, you probably deserve it. After all, you did the crime, now do the time. So work hard; do good; and above all, don't whine about it ... to anyone.

N, as in NEVER do that again! Clear enough?!

But what if it's the boss who embarrasses you? What then?

Certainly you can cop to the fact that you were, in fact, embarrassed. You can also listen for what the boss' intent actually was.

What you'd echo though, would be additional examples that suggest a problem has emerged - one that you'd like your boss to appropriately resolve. Then continue to act professionally, whether you feel like it or not, and never, under any circumstances, complain to people who can't do anything to help solve the problem.

If the pattern continues, you have a choice to make: (a) complain to someone who can get your boss' attention; (b) put up with it; or (c) find yourself a new job with a different boss.

Hard choices, but choices nevertheless.