Kev replied to his boss with “if you say so…” His boss politely kicked him to the curb. If you’re wondering how to bounce back after making a mistake at work, Kev has some notes. He has time; he’s on a curb.
note to self
smart-assery
(noun)
Being right in the most expensive way possible. Requires a plan-B.
Why one comment can feel like a career-ending mistake
A sharp reply takes one second, and replaying it takes all week. Mistakes at work feel bigger because they’re public, they touch your paycheck, and you’ll see the same people tomorrow. But most workplace mistakes are recoverable. People remember how you handled it far longer than what you said.
What would a stoic do?
How much more grievous are the consequences of anger than the causes of it.
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 11.18
The sarcasm wasn’t the real problem; the flash of irritation behind it was. The stoic move isn’t to never feel annoyed. It’s to notice the heat before it reaches your mouth, and when it slips out anyway, to own it quickly.
Try this: 3 steps off the curb
- Own it fast and short. "That came out wrong; I’m sorry." No essay.
- Fix the actual thing. Ask what they need, then deliver it.
- Build your plan-B. Next time you feel an "if you say so" coming, ask a question instead.
It ain’t that serious. The curb has a nice view. Send this to the coworker who’d sit on the curb with you. meow meow, kev
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