How to clean up a mistake (without losing your rep)

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You make a mistake.

Not a huge, company-collapsing one.
But a big enough oops that your stomach drops and your brain starts writing resignation letters in its head.

A step missed.
A wrong file sent.
Something avoidable—if only you hadn’t been moving so fast.

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Now you’re spiraling:

“What will they think of me?”
“Did I just ruin my reputation?”
“Am I that person now?”

Cue shame. Cue awkward Slack messages. Cue inner monologue of doom.

Here’s the truth: everyone screws up.
But not everyone knows how to clean it up like a pro.

What matters more than the mistake…
Is how you show up after.

This isn’t about spin or PR.
It’s about clarity, ownership, and leadership—even when things get messy.

Whether you’re in a 9–5 or running your own thing, mistakes don’t define you.
But your response? That’s your signature move.

Here’s a 5-step playbook to bounce back with your brand (and dignity) intact:

1. Do a root cause autopsy

   • Not just what went wrong, but why—were you rushing? Skipping steps?

   • Get clear so it doesn’t happen again.

2. Craft your “clean-up statement”

   • What happened

   • Your accountability

   • What you’re doing to fix it

   • And how you’re making sure it won’t happen again

3. Identify your key people

   • Who needs to hear from you directly?

   • Think: managers, stakeholders, or clients with visibility

4. Have 1:1s—don’t hide behind email

   • Be human. Be honest.

   • And bring a “gift”: offer support, share a helpful article, or give a small value add. The key? You leave the meeting on a positive note.

5. Watch the ripples

   • Any lingering fallout? Address it fast.

   • Don’t let small cracks become character judgments.

This is reputation repair meets relationship building.
And yes—it works.

If you’ve ever stayed up rehashing a mistake…
Or worried your last blunder is what people will remember most…
Then save this playbook.

Mistakes happen.
But so does redemption—if you lead the cleanup.

If you want my “Oops Recovery Email” template or a checklist for these steps, just reply with FIX IT and I’ll send it your way.