I made a really embarrassing cock-up - what should I do now?

[BigBoris]

Whilst I am going slowly out of my mind in the run-up to Christmas, I have realised I have to confront a cock-up I made earlier in the year. Essentially, I had a phone call with a client that for some unknown reason I totally blanked from my mind the moment it finished.

As far as I know I have NEVER done anything like this before - I just think I was ridiculously busy at work and home and somehow my brain went into overload. I don't even remember the call now! But realise I must have had it as I came across some notes on the subject. Anyway, after finding these notes, I realised that I had been chasing the client up for information that I now realise he had already provided. What a dick. He hasn't contacted me since. But I am hoping to bid for another project with someone else in the same firm.

What do do? Should I call him? And apologise? Leave it? Screeeeeaaaamm! What would you do? It makes me seems so utterly mad, that's the problem!

[pushmepullyou]

I do this sort of thing all the time, and people do it to me! It's never as big a deal as you think it is . Assuming you chased politely (I'm sure you did!) and he didn't come back to you to say he'd already provided it then I'm sure you won't have offended him - probably just became less of a priority to him for whatever reason.

I would send him a Christmas card/email saying you're looking forward to working with him in the New Year and then follow it up with a phone call in January to 'catch up' and see if there's anything you can help him with re his project.

[BigBoris]

Really pushme? That's comforting to hear! I think I will try an email and see how that goes! I am moving job, so have an excuse to send over the new address.

[Sandthorn]

Me too! I've done this kind of thing loads (everyone does!) and still manage to keep the respect of my colleagues and clients. I think what's important is that you don't bluster or try to push it off on someone else - people can smell that kind of bullshit a mile off, and it only hurts your credibility. Just get in touch, apologise for having to go through it again, admit that it was a busy time and you've lost your notes on the discussion, and would they mind...