How to Bounce Back from a Work Mistake
How to Bounce Back from a Work Mistake
We’ve all had those moments — the stomach-dropping, pulse-racing, “please let the ground swallow me” kind of moments — when we realise we’ve made a mistake at work. And this week, I had a reminder that no matter how senior or experienced we become, none of us are immune.
A candidate I placed earlier this year rang me in absolute blind panic. He’d sent a text to his new Director… by mistake… and let’s just say it was not the message he intended to send. You could practically hear the colour draining from his face.
It instantly took me back to one of my own finest moments in the early days of my recruitment career. A candidate asked me to fax (yes, fax — remember those glorious relics?) the details of their offer to their home number. I did exactly that… except I didn’t. I accidentally faxed the offer straight to his work number.
He wasn’t in the office. His colleague picked it up. I was mortified. And to make it even more dramatic, I spent 10 minutes genuinely contemplating whether changing my name and moving abroad was a reasonable next step.
Fortunately, the candidate was incredibly forgiving. But that experience taught me a crucial lesson: mistakes happen — to everyone. What matters is how you respond.
So if you’ve recently put your foot in it (or fear you might someday), here are…
5 Tips to Bounce Back from a Big Work Mistake
1. Own It Quickly
Don’t hide, delay, or hope it goes unnoticed. A quick, honest acknowledgement shows maturity and stops the situation from snowballing into something bigger.
2. Apologise — Properly
A calm, concise, accountable apology goes a long way. Not the “So sorry if that caused any confusion” type — the proper kind. People appreciate honesty and clarity far more than waffle.
3. Fix What You Can
Explain what you’re doing to put things right (or what you’ve already done). Practical steps demonstrate responsibility and help rebuild trust faster than words alone.
4. Learn the Lesson (and Say So)
Mistakes are actually brilliant teachers — though they don’t always feel like it at the time. Whether it’s double-checking email recipients or slowing down during busy spells, show that you’re aware of the root cause and won’t repeat it.
5. Move On — Don’t Laminate the Shame
Most mistakes feel catastrophic in the moment but are forgotten shockingly quickly by everyone else. Don’t keep rehashing it, don’t apologise 47 times, and don’t let it define you. Dust yourself off and carry on.
Final Thought
In today’s world of instant messaging, endless notifications, and constant multitasking, mistakes are almost inevitable. But they don’t have to be career-defining or confidence-shaking.
Whether you’ve sent a text to the wrong Director, emailed the wrong client, or (like me) faxed confidential details to an entire office, remember: It’s how you deal with it that really matters.
