15 Big Mistake
Bloopers and Blunders: Saying and Doing the Wrong Thing

Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes.

—Oscar Wilde

This chapter encompasses all of those things we say that could get us into trouble and hurt our relationships and reputations if we do not recover quickly and gracefully.

Have you ever said anything and wished immediately you could take it back? For example, last week I was with a client who I thought was definitely pregnant. Not only did I ask her when she was due, I put my hand on her stomach. I was mortified when she said that she was not pregnant, just had some weight to lose.

Here are a few questions that could get you into trouble if you did not read a situation correctly or said something without thinking first:

“How old are you?”

“What’s your religion? Do you go to church?”

“Do you have a girlfriend/boyfriend?”

“Do you have kids?”

“Why don’t you drink alcohol?”

“What happened? Why did you get divorced?”

“When are you due?”

“At least your dad was 90 years old when he died. He lived a long life.”

If you do say something that you wish you had not, here is a three-step solution to recover:

1. Apologize.

2. Ask for forgiveness for own your inappropriate statement.

3. Learn from your mistakes.

There are other actions that may communicate your brand negatively. Here are a few examples to help keep you out of trouble.

Driving

Be careful that you do not cut people off or use improper body language. Who knows—you could end up in a meeting with the person in the next lane. Obey all traffic rules within the work parking lot or when at a client’s place of business.

Waiting in Line

Do not cut in line, and do not say something you will be sorry about as you stand in line. That person you cut in front of or the person who hears you say something rude could be the person interviewing you for a job, your new colleague, or the new VP in your company. This applies to all situations, from the grocery store to checking in at a reception desk at a business.

Traveling

You never know who someone is and where they will turn up. Being on your A-game at all times will only help you. Do not make snide comments about another passenger or the flight attendant on an airplane.

Don’t be in such a hurry that you become impolite. Everyone on your plane is going to the same place at the same time. You can’t pass someone and get to your destination any faster than they do.

Additionally, if you see that someone may need help, such as stowing a bag in the overhead compartment, ask if you can be of assistance.

Networking Events

You are not there to eat. There is nothing worse than speaking with someone who is talking with their mouth filled with food. Stay positive; no one likes to be around a negative person.

Bathroom

Wash your hands. If you do not, someone else in there with you could come out and tell their friends or colleagues that you didn’t.

Restaurants and Stores

Be nice to servers and sales associates. People show their lack of character when they are rude to the person serving them. We may think that rudeness is acceptable when we do not get the service we expect, but it reflects badly on the person with the rude behavior.