During this spooky time of year, vampires, zombies, and ghosts lurk around every corner, from the decorations at the grocery store to the movies on television. The idea of something from our past coming back to terrify us captures our imagination. Unfortunately, specters from our past that come back to wreak revenge isn’t just the stuff of lore. Too many of us have embarrassing experiences in our professional life that can have negative effects on our careers. Here are three tips to dispatch these ghouls to ensure they don’t come back to haunt you.
1. Recognize that growth comes through mistakes. There is no more potent lesson than one that is costly. While you can regret your error, don’t waste it. Learn the lesson and be thankful for the fact that you aren’t continue to perpetuate the problem.
2. Make amends. Did you treat a coworker poorly? Leave a job on bad terms. Have the maturity and humility to seek out the former colleagues you hurt or left in the lurch and apologize. Express sincere regret without excuses and share how you’ve grown from the experience.
3. Address problematic patterns. Do you keep making professional blunders time and time again because of bad habits? Be honest with yourself about areas where you struggle and think creatively and strategically about how to find solutions.
