5 ways to repair your reputation if youve been politically incorrect

5 ways to repair your reputation if youve been politically incorrect5 ways to repair your reputation if youve been politically incorrectAs the old Chinese curse goes, May you live in interesting times. Well, the current political climate guarantees that were not just living in interesting times, were also living in bellicose, verbose, litigious and confusing times. And despite our best intentions, that can sometimes spill over into the workplace.So, what do you do if youve been overheard saying something wholly inappropriate in the office? Can you repair your reputation and earn back the trust of your boss, coworkers or team? Probably. But itll take work.Are you ready to tell the entire class?Before you even start gossiping at work about the latest debate or debacle, think about whether its actually worth it. Remember how it was in grade school when you got caught whispering with your classmates?Chances are good your teacher would say in a haughty voice Why dont you tell the entire c lass what you just said? It was embarrassing, but also effective.- - - If your whispered words werent meant to be heard by others, they probably should have been uttered mora privately. If you are overheard saying anything that you would not say to a group, start there, Tricia Brouk, Director, Writer, Executive Producer of TEDxLincolnSquare and the NYC Speaker Salon.Own your gaffeBrouk said to speak with kindness, compassion, and expertise always. However, if you fail as humans do, take full responsibility immediately and call yourself out for having momentary limitations. We all make mistakes and we can correct these mistakes if we own them fully and do not place blame anywhere except the source, you.In other words, dont pretend you didnt say it. Own it. Apologize for it. Prove it was a one-time thing and it wont happen again.If you said it publicly, apologize publiclyIts always a tough call whether it helps or hinders to publicly apologize for something youve said or done. But i f you said something that was, in theory, unforgivable you might just want to make a semi-public apology so that the gossip mill doesnt twist your words on the second go-round.The power of speaking is not limited to the stage, so be mindful of your words, how you use them and when to apologize publicly, Brouk said.Here reasoning being that a public apology makes sure that your words can have the impact you want, not the shame you do not.Dont put it in writingHeres a tough one. Some situations require a written apology. Maybe your slur or insult was overheard by a visiting colleague. Or maybe your boss is a fan of the hand-written note.While its fine to send a written apology, do not repeat the words or phrase or insult that caused so much pain the first time around. That will just open the wound again while potentially giving them ammunition and proof to use against you in the future.Try to keep your apology neutral but very sincere. Explain that you realize your words could have ca used pain and you commit to being more aware of the things you say.- - - Lets face it, you cant promise to never slip up, because youre only human. What you can promise to do is be more sensitive and aware in the future.Send a meaningful giftNo. Not roses or chocolate- it wasnt a romantic mess up. Instead, find a cause that proves you are trying to understand that what you said might have been wrong.When you apologize to the person youve offended, feel free to let them know that youre not only trying to change your ways, youve made a gift to a charity that highlights understanding or outreach.