How To Tell Your Boss You Have Made A Major Mistake

Step 1: Move quickly

As soon as you notice the mistake, take action. If you don't move immediately, someone else will discover your cock-up and follow the trail back to you. Then your will look like a sneaky coward as well. You'll be out the door quicker than you can say "I'm Fired?"

Step 2: Confess

Approach your boss, tell them you need to speak to them urgently, and in private. You won't be wanting an audience for this. State clearly what the problem is, and the effects it will have on the company. Don't snivel, make lame excuses or try and shift the blame, this will make things worse. Be prepared to be shouted at like you're in the Marines, you know you deserve it.

Step 3: Don't berate yourself

Walking around the office with your head in your hands crying will only draw more attention to your crime. The misdemeanour is done, now move on. Get on with redeeming yourself. Reiterating your apologies and regrets will only stress it was you who screwed up. What a loser.

Step 4: A solution

Have a plan ready, you've evaluated the damage, what can be done to fix it? Or at least minimise the fall out. Outline the strategy to the boss and how it can be implemented - making sure you have a key roll in the recovery. Don't use indecisive phrases like 'if we...' or 'maybe it can..', instead go for an affirmative ' I will....' and ' the result will be...'

Step 5: Bask in the glory

Remind everyone of the great recovery plan you implemented, and how you were first to take action in this time of crisis. What a trailblazing, superstar worker you are - thank goodness the boss has you to rely on.