4 ways to fix a bad first impression at work

4 ways to fix a bad first impression at work4 ways to fix a bad first impression at workYou were behind a failure of epic proportions at work. But not only that - you just so happened to embarrass yourself while meeting your new anfhrer for the first time.Heres how to move forward in a more positive direction after making a bad first impression in the office.Be crystal clear about itThink about it You have nothing to lose.For Simon Sinek, author of Leaders Eat Last, it all boils down to honesty. In a recent Inc. video, he talks about how explaining that youre not proud of your first impression - and doing so over the phone, not sending an email - can be an effective tool.Heres the script he recommends using I think I came across poorly when I met you. I welches a little bit excitable and I think I was nervous and I just wanted to put it out tzu siche that I wasnt particularly proud of how I came across.Dont let them see you sweatTry not to get too tripped up by your mistake.Alysa Wishingrad writes on the JPatrick + Associates Executive Recruiters blog about how to keep your cool during an interview where youve come off the wrong way.Think back to the last time you were watching a live performance and a dancer slipped, or an actor flubbed their lines, Wishingrad writes. The dancer who seamlessly continues on with the choreography or the actor who allows the gaffe play in their favor often wind up as audience favorites. Its the ones who pull a face, or get so flustered they cant find their place that lose the audiences favor.Show the value of your contributionsProve that you have a lot to offer.Heidi Grant, Ph.D., author, Senior Scientist at the Neuroleadership Institute, and associate director for the Motivation Science Center at Columbia University, writes in the Harvard Business Review about employing what psychologists reportedly deem outcome dependency, which essentially means that others cant get what they want without cooperation from you.To create outc ome dependency, try to identify opportunities for collaboration. For example, if your supervisor has underestimated you, consider asking for an assignment that would allow you to work with her more closely. Its natural to shy away from people who dont think highly of you, but you need to fight that instinct and instead stick to them like glue if you hope to correct their misperceptions. Things will get much more comfortable once they begin to realize that youre not so bad after all, Grant writes.Switch things upLet them see you in a different light.Journalist, digital media consultant, and investor John Boitnott writes about how to do this in Entrepreneur.Some professionals have found that the best way to overcome a bad first impression is to show a completely different side of themselves. If youve made a joke and its fallen flat, follow up by showing your serious side. If you feel that youve overreached in your efforts to be professional and come across as pompous or rude, try to l ighten the mood with a little self-deprecating humor, Boitnott writes. Often revealing a completely different side of yourself can make a difference in showing that someone cant get to know you in just a few seconds.