Everyone’s done it at one time or another – made a mistake at work.

Your colleagues noticed your error. Perhaps your boss, too. Worst of all is when the effect of your screw-up threatened to harm the reputation of your organisation outside the office’s four walls.

There’s no single cookie-cutter method to reverse a mistake, but the best recovery is simple: admit your mistake, solve the problem and move on.

1. How to recover from a work screw-up involving your boss

The worst work screw-up you can make is forgetting to follow the direct instructions of your boss.

This can lead to your boss being terribly disappointed in you. By failing both himself or herself and the company, your boss may perceive a decrease in your value as an employee of the organisation.

If you’ve forgotten to attend a meeting that was scheduled by your boss, go straight to him or her and admit the mistake yourself. You can briefly explain why the oversight happened but don’t start making excuses.

Own up to your mistake and assure your boss that you won’t miss a meeting again. Did you overshoot your deadline? If so, then let your boss or supervisor know right away.

You don’t want him or her to waste time waiting for you. That would set the boss back even more. Offer to make up by taking on extra work.

Were you caught taking a day’s sick leave even though you weren’t actually ill?

Bosses eventually find out when employees lie about sick leave, mostly through photos on social media.

It’s best to tell the truth before the workplace rumours reach your boss’ ears. Admit your misstep and say that you will prove your dedication to your work in the future.

If you took a sick day to go for an interview for another job and your boss finds out, apologise for being deceitful.

If you haven’t actually deceived your boss but were up-front about going to a new job interview, simply explain the reason for the interview to your boss.

This will help relieve the awkward atmosphere and he or she might even make you a better offer.

2. How to recover from a work screw-up in front of the whole office

You just made a huge mistake that cost the entire organisation a lot of time, effort, profit and/or resources. Meet with your boss and assure him or her that you understand your mistake.

Suggest solutions to make up for the loss. Meet with all members of the team personally and let them know that you are deeply sorry for the fallout from your screw-up.

The best place to do this is away from the workplace, perhaps treating them to food and beverage. If the only solution is to re-do everything, then help every single person affected by your mistake.

Drinking alcohol with your colleagues can lead to excessive imbibing. A few too many drinks and you are the centrepiece of a drunken scene in front of your colleagues.

Such behaviour can ruin your reputation. It will be hard for anyone to take you seriously after such an event.

If this ever happens to you, get rid of your hangover with a hearty breakfast, lots of fluids, a cup of extra-strong black coffee and a pain relief tablet.

Once the hangover is gone, get to your workplace as close to starting time as possible and apologise to your employer for your inappropriate behaviour.

3. How to recover from your work screw-up

Mention that it will never happen again as you will strictly control your alcohol intake at all future events. It’s highly recommended that you avoid alcohol at all work events.

Order non-alcoholic drinks that look like alcohol instead. Water with ice cubes and a slice of lemon looks like a vodka tonic.

Did you ruin your organisation’s professionalism at a startup meeting by wearing funky clothes?

Prevent such a situation in future by keeping a set of casual attire and a set of professional attire in your car at all times.

4. How to recover from a work screw-up with a co-worker

Have you ever badmouthed a co-worker and your words somehow reached his or her ears when someone snitched on you?

Mend the situation by personally meeting up with the person you badmouthed. Let him or her know that you said a lot of meaningless things in the heat of the moment and that you regret doing so.

Offer your sincere apologies by inviting your colleague to a restaurant for a meal.

If you’re forgiven that’s a great outcome, but if not, then give the person some time and space. After a while, try to rebuild your relationship with him or her.

This article first appeared in The New Savvy.

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