I just read an entertaining article on CNN.com entitled "Your biggest work embarrassments." We all have nightmares about embarrassing ourselves in social situations. We are afraid of having toilet paper stuck to our shoes or having ab opened zipper or button that reveals alittle more than we would like.
The article states that the worst kind of embarrassment is the type that could be prevented if our brains were quickler than our tongues. Once we say the wrong thing, we can't take it back.
This article shared some embarrassing stores that made me smile. Especially, the story about the receptionst complaining about her job and how she hated everyting about it. The person visiting with the receptionist listened politely and then after the receptionist was done venting, soothingly told the receptionist she didn't think she would be at her job much longer. The receptionist asked why and the person stated, "Well, once the baby is born, won't you be taking maternity leave?" The receptionist wasn't pregnant! I have heard of this happening so many times. In fact, there have been circumstances where I wondered about someone myself, but never actually embarrassed myself by asking. Besides it not being any of my business, sometimes it is just too hard to tell.
E-mails are another way we can cause ourselves alot of embarrassement. I have seen and heard enough to know, always double-check the "send to" information before sending an e-mail!
Another workplace embarrassment is getting caught playing "hooky." A CareerBuilder.com writer wrote an interesting article, "Bosses Tell All: How I Busted My Employee Playing Hooky."
This article was hilarious. It suggested that you don't take the Ferris Bueller route when playing hooky. There is really no need to create excuses for wanting a day off. The article recommends that you just talk with your boss and be honest. According to a survey by CareerBuilder.com, 33 percent of employees admitted to playing hooky this year rather than telling their bosses the truth. The "Web of lies" section of this article is filled with funny little true stores about getting caught playing hooky.
I know we all think about playing hooky at one time or another. But, for me, actually doing it is another story. I don't think my conscious would let me do it; I would feel too guilty. I have been very fortunate in my jobs, though. When I want or need time off, all I have to do is be honest and ask. Unfortunately, I know this isn't true for all jobs.
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Very enjoyable article! I have actually done the email thing--fortunately it was not terribly embarrassing. But somehow I hit reply on an email I didn't realize was open thinking I was replying to someone else. The email was essentially a light note recommending a movie and some notes about the plot, so nothing bad. But the person I sent it to by mistake was a professional contact at a professional organization who I had worked with in getting our medical transcription program accredited. So it was a bit embarrassing. However, she wrote back a very nice quick note saying she had heard of the movie and it was good!
ReplyDeleteI thought I had learned my lesson on that, but then this morning I did it again. Once again, nothing serious, but still I felt pretty silly. I'm blaming this one on the baby. This baby is eating my brain!! :)
I also could not help but smile while reading that article. I have been a victim of what I like to call “word vomit” too often to be able to keep a straight face.
ReplyDeleteI grew up on a farm and went to school in a small town. You always said what was on your mind because there was never the risk of offending anyone; practically everyone all thought the same way. When I moved to Fargo, it was a huge culture shock in this respect.
I think this is important to remember in the PR field. You need to make a conscious effort to say or print things in a way that anyone who reads it will not take offense. Easier said than done? Yes, of course. But better to take the extra time than fight a lawsuit.
I too that this article was quite funny. I like that point that you brought forth about just being honest and times that we just want to play hooky. I am going into business education and I know at most schools you usually have to put done the reason for being gone where at most other jobs you dont have to do that. Also in the teaching profession by calling in sick just to play hooky you are only make more work for yourself when you come back into school the next day.
ReplyDeleteSo I would have to agree. Be honest not only with your employer but yourself in situations when maybe you just need a day for yourself.
On the other hand I have been on the side of maybe saying what was on my mind and maybe I should have thought about it before I really said it. I have done this once of twice thru email. Once i sent the email and I went back to re read what I wrote I thought to myself why did I write that or say that. I think we all need to think twice about everything to do. Not only our words, but our actions as well.