Delicate Situation: Advice

Anonymous

October 1,2022 at 2:21PM UTC

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Delicate Situation: Advice

Hello,

At the end of a hectic month, I sent an email to three members of one team (bcc), asking if one of them was available to do a short presentation. Later that day, I noticed an unfortunate combination of four letters (abbreviated name of that course in all caps). There should be a space, but I missed it. I didn’t notice it on a first or even second reading because of the caps, but someone else might. No one has replied yet. Do I send a quick email with the correct spacing and apologize for any confusion, or do I leave it? Most importantly, I always want my employees to feel comfortable, and I feel bad that it happened. It was an oversight. Maybe I should take responsibility for it, or maybe I’m just drawing attention to it. Second, I’m not sure if someone would make a comment to HR, and I’m a little worried. (I feel they really need a different name for that course, but that is beside the point.) The company once had to rename an entire team because no one noticed what a different set of four letters spelled out, so I’m trying to remind myself these things happen. Any thoughts or advice?

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MollyOctober 1,2022 at 3:25PM UTC
This sounds like an honest, but very small mistake.
I would follow up and take responsibility, but without any effusive apologies. Just - oops, that was a typo. And then focus on the point - who wants to give this presentation?
And give yourself some grace - you’re clearly conscientious, but everyone makes small mistakes.
AnonymousOctober 1,2022 at 4:57PM UTC
Was it offensive or disturbing?
AnonymousOctober 4,2022 at 7:45PM UTC
Recall the message and resend it if you have the chance to. Even if they have read it, it will be replaced. Just put a typo in the body of the email. If you don't have that capability, just resend the message and tell them to disregard the previous message there was a typo. To error is human
AnonymousOctober 5,2022 at 12:51PM UTC
Send out an Oops, I had a typo email and correct the error. We all make mistakes, which is human. But 'fessing up and correcting goes a long way to no hurt feeling, or whatever. Seeing how the boss handles these things will let the staff know how to proceed. Sometimes brushing something under the rug because we might be embarassed isn't the way to go.
AnonymousOctober 5,2022 at 9:08PM UTC
Definitely send a follow up email correcting it! Can you make a little humor out of it? "well, that was an unfortunate typo!" I love when my coworkers are human with me, can admit when they make a mistake, and don't take themselves too seriously, even when the job is serious. Maybe being a little more friendly will even make someone feel more likely to help you out.