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Subscribe to RSSAlmost everyone has done something at the office that still makes them cringe - including most bosses.
Staffing firm OfficeTeam recently released a survey asking senior managers about their most embarrassing work moments. Among them:
- “I called my boss ‘my love’ by complete accident.”
- "While speaking at a business event, I fell off the stage."
- "I sent an offer letter to the wrong candidate."
- "I said something inappropriate about my boss and found out he was standing right behind me."
- “I went into the ladies’ bathroom by mistake.” (We’re guessing that was a man.)
Many managers said their embarrassing moments had to do with their apparel. Those included wearing bathroom slippers to work, tearing one’s trousers and conducting a training session with one’s zipper down.
The phone survey of about 1,300 senior managers in the United States and Canada was conducted by International Communications Research.
How should you handle those embarrassing mishaps? OfficeTeam recommends that you remain calm, acknowledge what happened, apologize if necessary and then move on.
Readers, what’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you at work?
Leave a Comment:
I farted loudly in the restroom thinking it was empty; only to have the boss come out of a stall to say: "I take it you had the chili dogs for lunch ?" I could have died.
Why? Better there than in the elavator
I would have been embarrassed too!
I worked for an answering service that handled doctors, towing companies, bail bondsmen, and a variety of emergency services. My job was to take messages, or patch the calls through to the appropriate people. I had the capability of putting about 9 people on hold at one time, waiting to patch their call. Well once I accidently patched a kidney specialist through to a thug in jail who wanted a bail bondsman. Imagine my embarrisment when the doctor asked, "who in the blue **** was that?" I calmly apologized, and told him I would try to never let it happen again, and in my defense this was just after hurricane Katrina.
My boss will come in, look at your shoes and start talking to you while you dump out. Example:
Boss: Hey, X, is that you? How you doing? Did you get that report I emailed you?
X: No sir, I'm taking a dump. I'll check my email right now....ok yes I got it.
Boss: Good, I left you a voicemail - get back to me about it when you're done.
X: Can you hand me a roll of toilet paper?
Before companies started to use their own instant messengers, ours started out using Yahoo Messenger. So that if we had customers on the phone, we could email the department involved and as many people as we needed would be discussing the problems as I talked to the customer on the phone.
Well, I don't know how it happened, but I had a female team leader who was just the most horrendous person to all of her team. She would embarrass you in front of everyone and think nothing of it. Not one of us respected or liked her.
One day, after she had embarrassed me for laughing in the office, I cranked up my Yahoo messenger to get it off my chest with what I thought was a private note to 2 of my co-workers. I said that the "new" red hair we all lied and told her it looked nice makes her look like a horrendous giant red road runner, (as she was OBESE, and liked to wear short swede skirts to show off her big knobby knees). Then I clicked on the emoticons, and added several of the the little guys that said "ROFLMAO". Imagine that little guy rolling on the floor, kicking and laughing while holding his little stomach.
I thoght that I had highlighed only 2 of my co-workers to see this message, so they responded by posting the little guys "ROFLMAO."
Imagine my horror when the 3rd person responded was my team leader, who added the "frown" emoticon with a note. I will meet you in HR.... and she sent it to the other 2 co-workers.
I had clicked on the team leader's name and had sent the message "ABOUT" her to her....
Lucky I didn't get fired, as HR has received a lot of complaints on how the team leader was treating people, which was not conducive to a team-work environment. So HR made the entire department (including the team leader) takesomething called a company "civility" class.
ROFLMAO!
We have an office of about 60 people. One of our drafters emailed the entire office saying he would be light on work for the next several days and asked if there was any available projects to work on.
Well, since we are pretty close, I figured I'd bust his chops. Instead of hitting "reply" i of course hit "reply all" and wrote -
"Hey Matt. My car needs an oil change. And why don't you wash it while you're at it since you don't have s$%t to do and will probably get laid off in a couple days anyways"
THAT was embarassing.
Why were you embarassed? Aren't you supposed to let out gas in the restroom?
My first day as a trainee at a financial organization I was given the assignment to fax a proposal. Not having regular experience wearing a tie, the tie fed into the paper feeder and started pulling me in!!
I was able to pull it out before anyone saw what happened but I had "roller" tracks six inches on a brand new tie. I used to tell my new trainee's this story to help them relax, it always was a good icebreaker................
Where I went to school, male teachers had to wear a tie. Both of the physics teachers tucked the end of theirs into their shirt pocket to keep it out of trouble. There were stories of catching them on fire. The biology teacher just wore a bow tie.
I'm in HR Management and a consistently malcontent employee sent me yet another complaining email. I thought I was forwarding it to another manager and made some comments about the person being a pain. Instead of forwarding it, though, I replied by mistake. Took some very fancy talking to get myself out of that one.
I've done something similar, and it's mortifying. I don't think I've ever back-pedaled faster in my whole life.
ARGH!
I've done that, as well! It was kind of a smart aleck response that I thought I was forwarding to my secretary about a new company policy, but instead I replied to the SOURCE of the new company policy!!!! Luckily, the SOURCE just laughed and replied BACK to me. I am SO much more careful about email now! OMG! What a lesson learned! lol
I once was conducting a training on internet services to a group of about 150 sales people and to clarify a point drew what I thought would visually demonstrate an internet pipe. Until everyone started laughing and I took a few steps back from the drawing to discover that what I had drawn looked like a very large piece of male anatomy.
I just turned red and smiled then made a joke about not being the best artist, turned over the flip chart, and moved on to the next point. But every now and then during that whole day long presentation, I would start to laugh again - and I am sure the mostly male audience knew what I was laughing at. It still makes me smile to think of it.
Kathleen-
I made a drawing a couple of years ago in front of 2000 people. The supply flowchart ended up looking like an elderly women wearing a strap on pleasuring a donkey. Shortly after the presentation ended I had a bowel movement in a strip bar that looked like a Cheeto (except it was kind of green) that looked like a fetus.
It doesn't embarrass me to fart anywhere. It is a natural function of the human body.
Well, good for you Herman. Please don't stand near me.
Natural function or not, you shouldn't just do it anywhere. See: taking a dump, or ejaculating.
I agree Herman. I even think people should find the humor in farting more often seeing that it's something we must do or we get sick. If everyone ran to the bathroom every time they had to fart could you imagine the lines? Does anyone remember that childrens book to teach kids NOT to hold it in? 'Pass That Gas' Pass it on and laugh about it. Me and my BF certainly do and I believe we are much happier and healthier for it.
Herman, sweetie, natural body function or not, stay the heck out of my cubicle please.
<giggle> Ewwwww.
This makes me laugh, alot! It's nice to read that some of us still have a sense of humor. THANX.
After asking an employee to take a seat in my office for a 'counseling' session on performance, I went around my desk to sit down and my rolling office chair rolled out from under me, dumping me on my butt behind the desk.
LMAO! Had I been that employee, you would probably have fired me for laughing so hard I peed my pants!
Serves ya right.
"Don't stand near me" and a "counseling" session? Sounds like you're a real condescending one, Dlking.
I just wonder if the guy you were "counseling" was as forgiving as you sound like you would have been.
Angry Guy - you can stand near stinky Herman if you want. I don't want someone who thinks it's ok to blow out a fart any time they want standing anywhere near me.
The person I was counseling was indeed forgiving and we had a wonderful meeting of the minds on employee performance expectations. I was doing my job.
It was a funny story about an embarrassing thing that happened at work, not an invitation for a complete stranger to attack my personality. What's your problem?
Sounds like you really are an angry guy. What's wrong with a "counseling session." That's standard procedure in most companies if someone is having performance issues. Would you rather the issues be ignored until the problem reaches the point of the employee being fired?
And to be honest, I wouldn't want Herman standing next to me at that time either. It's not pleasant for those around him.
Does somebody need a hug so he's not so angry anymore maybe? A cookie? Chamomile tea?
Seroquel?
LOL
I set my desk on fire. It was Christmas time and someone lit a candle on my desk. I was on the phone with a customer and typing things into the computer. Someone else walked up to me and handed me some papers and I laid them on my desk without looking. When I got off the phone and turned back to my desk, the whole thing was aflame! We didn't have a fire extinguisher. One of my coworkers picked up the large stack of flaming papers and took them outside and stomped the fire out. The flaming papers left a trail of burning embers in the carpet from my desk to the door. Thank goodness I worked for a really sweet man who forgave me. We immediately purchased a fire extinguisher.
Was that someone who lit a candle actually you? And, was that someone else who put the papers on the candle also actually you?
Having waited too long to head to the restroom, I unzipped the side zipper of my trousers as I neared the restroom door. The pants were a bit loose on me, and they fell down and hit the floor. I quickly pulled them back up, relieved that no one had seen me. Then I realized I was in direct line of the constantly monitored security cameras. Oy!
several years ago, a friend of mine and i were constantly deriding our HR director. we felt we had good reason: she rarely said the same thing twice, constantly changing her answers to the most basic of question, and she was generally a pain to work with. we knew good and well that her job wasn't to protect the employee; it was to protect the company.
at one point, our HR director sent out a broadcast email to the entire on-base staff. finding it grating and repulsive, i tried forwarding a copy to my friend, who worked at our off-site facility. "can you believe this!? what a maroon. does she honestly expect us to believe this s**t?!?" there were some other unkind things said, but that's the gist of it.
imagine my shock when the HR director replied, "are you sure you didn't mean to send this to (insert friend's name here)?" the sweat pouring off my brow was enough to saturate a beach towel. at the same time, my mouth went completely dry.
needless to say, i didn't last much longer there. she painted a target on my back, and i had to quit within 4 or 5 months.
You are correct. I have recently discovered HR is not there to service the employees, but to favor the employer.
People who work in Human Resources (HR) are like cops. They are power hungry and like to hold you hostage to them. If you think anyone likes any of you who work in Human Resources, better think again!!!!
Wow! Way to stereotype every HR person.
Get the basics of adulthood down pat and perhaps you won't come to hate the HR folks so much?
I will agree that many in my profession are of the non-gray area ilk, but you three are just ignorant.
I have a degree in HR and was excited to get a job in the field. For about two years it was great, then our director died. The replacement...let's just say that I retired two weeks ago just to get out.
I have known some HR people who were snakes, but I have known people in other positions that were the same. People are people. But from a company standpoint, why would they want an HR person (or ANY employee) who was NOT "for the company"?
took the words right out of my mouth!!!!!
I was working with my boss on a airplane and when it came time for lunch he told me to take his car,[I didnt have one} and go to lunch first .He told me its location and gave me the key.Upon getting to the car I saw he had left the key in the car. Oh well off I go.I was delayed a bit and when I returned he had allready gone to lunch.When he came back I gave him his key and told him why I was late. His car ran out of gas and I had to get gas for his car.The problem was I took the wrong car to lunch.I dont know who owned the car but I often wonder if they ever took notice of the full gas tank.
I'm missing something here. You were working with your boss on an airplane but somehow you were able to get to a parking lot without taking a 40,000 ft plunge?
....
Oh, right, working on as in trying to fix. Phew.
No wonder the car ran out of gas trying to get back to the airplane!
Many years ago while working as an applications engineer for a large semiconductor company, I went on a business trip to a rep firm in San Jose. They had a reputation as a rep that only hired the most beautiful women to work as sales persons. It was raining when I arrived and, being worried about my breath, I was chewing gum. I meet with the sales person and yes, she was very beautiful. I was trying to make a good impression, I am a guy, but while I was walking out of the first account we visited I tripped stepping off a painted curb and the toenail of my right big toe decided to flip up from the front. I limped to the car trying not to show any discomfort, I am a guy. When I got in the front seat I slid off my shoe and felt my toe. The toenail was sticking straight up! I immediately flipped it down. Yes it was painful but I was still trying to man-up and not show anything. I casually lay back in my seat; and fainted! (I know, pretty wimpy) I woke up sometime later to see an ambulance next to our car and an EMT taking my blood pressure! The beautiful sales person though I had had a heart attack or something. Yes I was a bit embarrassed. The first thing I said did not help either. I said, “Ah, has anybody seen my gum?” because it was not in my mouth anymore. I must have swallowed it during my “spell”. Every time I visited that Rep after that I had to endure much laughter and amusement at my expense. Oh well, it makes a good story to tell when you are presenting and everyone is getting bored.
This is one of the funniest things I've read in awhile.
Many years ago while working as an applications engineer for a large semiconductor company, I went on a business trip to a rep firm in San Jose. They had a reputation as a rep that only hired the most beautiful women to work as sales persons. It was a raining when I arrived and, being worried about my breath, I was chewing gum. I met with the sales person and yes, she was very beautiful. I was trying to make a good impression, I am a guy, but while I was walking out of the first account we visited I tripped stepping off a painted curb and the toenail of my right big toe decided to flip up from the front. I limped to the car trying not to show any discomfort, I am a guy. When I got in the front seat I slid off my shoe and felt my toe. The toenail was sticking straight up! I immediately flipped it down. Yes it was painful but I was still trying to man-up and not show anything. I casually lay back in my seat; and fainted! (I know, pretty wimpy) I woke up sometime later to see an ambulance next to our car and an EMT taking my blood pressure! The beautiful sales person though I had had a heart attack or something. Yes I was a bit embarrassed. The first thing I said did not help either. I said, “Ah, has anybody seen my gum?” because it was not in my mouth anymore. I must have swallowed it during my “spell”. Every time I visited that Rep after that I had to endure much laughter and amusement at my expense. Oh well, it makes a good story to tell when you are presenting and everyone is getting bored.
I bet Hermy is a "Pull my finger" kind of guy. Just like my Dad! :)
I was a National Manager and my Boss was a National Director. He was on the hot seat when his new VP boss called me to discuss some very sensitive things about him. It was clear to me he was going to be fired or at the least moved out of our division. I sent a text to a person I was close with about the issue. I said something like "He wont even know what hit him. They are taking him down for sure". Well, I sent that to my boss by accident. HOLY CRAP. He called me right away. It was late at night too. I somehow played it off as something else. It worked for a time, but he did get fired and he assumed I was to blame. He never stopped bad mouthing me. The funny thing is, if you are going to interview good looking woman in hotel rooms, and interview guys or not so good looking women in corporate offices or hotel lobbies, then you probably had it comming. That caused me so much stress until he was let go though. DAMN TEXTING!
Many years ago while working as an applications engineer for a large semiconductor company, I went on a business trip to a rep firm in San Jose. They had a reputation as a rep that only hired the most beautiful women to work as sales persons. It was a raining when I arrived and, being worried about my breath, I was chewing gum. I meet with the sales person and yes, she was very beautiful. I was trying to make a good impression, I am a guy, but while I was walking out of the first account we visited I tripped stepping off a painted curb and the toenail of my right big toe decided to flip up from the front. I limped to the car trying not to show any discomfort, I am a guy. When I got in the front seat I slid off my shoe and felt my toe. The toenail was sticking straight up! I immediately flipped it down. Yes it was painful but I was still trying to man-up and not show anything. I casually lay back in my seat; and fainted! (I know, pretty wimpy) I woke up sometime later to see an ambulance next to our car and an EMT taking my blood pressure! The beautiful sales person though I had had a heart attack or something. Yes I was a bit embarrassed. The first thing I said did not help either. I said, "Ah, has anybody seen my gum?" because it was not in my mouth anymore. I must have swallowed it during my "spell". Every time I visited that Rep after that I had to endure much laughter and amusement at my expense. Oh well, it makes a good story to tell when you are presenting and everyone is getting bored.
This didn't happen TO me, but still pretty funny. I attended a technical seminar in a huge auditorium with hundreds of people, where the speaker used a wireless headset microphone. When it came time for a bathroom break, he forgot to turn it off, and all of us in the auditorium were treated not only to his conversation in the men's room, but to ALL of the associated sounds...... When he returned, someone walked up to him and whispered in his ear, and he turned white as a sheet and burst out laughing, along with everyone in the house! He received a standing ovation!
I fell out of my chair once. I had a roller chair and one of those plastic pads on the floor, and when I pushed myself back from my desk, and the wheels got caught on the edge of the pad and I went over backwards. No one would have seen except for someone from the shop came through the door at that very moment. He was laughing as he asked me if I was alright (I was). Kind of funny, but I was really embarrassed at the time!
The Comptroller of the hotel where I worked had really bad hygiene, and one day while scratching his backside behind the front desk, a curious desk clerk asked him openly in front of others if he was "going to the races?" When he responded in the negative and asked why, the clerk said "Because I see your back there picking a winner". It was hard for us not to laugh because this was the guy we had to ask for a raise.
Back in the go-go eighties, when voicemail was new, a friend sent me a birthday message by singing like Marilyn Monroe did to Kennedy. Her birthday was the next day, so I decided to forward it back to her, but instead forwarded it to the entire East Coast sales force (about 250 people). For about a week, I got voicemails back with "thanks for the message - when can we meet?"
It was my first teaching job, back in the 80's, in China, when it was a big deal for a school to have a foreign teacher. They hosted a wonderful formal welcome banquet for me, and I knocked my wine glass over and spilled wine all over the bigwig from the Shanghai government, who was sitting next to me!!
It was my first teaching job, back in the 80's, in China, when it was a big deal for a school to have a foreign teacher. They hosted a wonderful formal welcome banquet for me, and I knocked my wine glass over and spilled wine all over the bigwig from the Shanghai government, who was sitting next to me!!
My boss and I were friends and would often poke at each other by calling each other names. One day the receptionist said she had my boss on the line and would transfer to me. I answered the phone by saying, "hey f*** dog meat!". She inadvertently transferred a customer instead of my boss.
As I crossed the lawn of the old State House in Hartford, Ct., I heard a BANG! I saw a man stretched out on the steps, a stream of red flowing down his chest. I ducked. I ran across the street and told the shoe store salesman to call the police. There ad been a shooting. A cop came along and poked the body with his nightstick. I went home and called my friends and we talked about violence in our society. I bugged my (now ex) husband who worked in city government to find out what happened since nothing appeared in the newspaper. Finally I got a call from a police dispatcher. She said the only incident at the old Statehouse on the date in question was when a drunk fell unconscious, and broke his wine bottle in the process. Bang = broken bottle. Red liquid = wine. Dead body = passed out drunk. Talk about feeling foolish. Still it makes a great story 30 years later.