I did a monumentally stupid thing the other day. Here’s what happened:
A few weeks ago, I asked a vendor to FedEx something to me. FedEx guy delivered it, but left it propped against the door outside the building and it blew into the parking lot. Someone from my team happened to find it an delivered it to me. I thanked him.
Fast forward to last week when something was again FedExed to me. I didn’t get it and e-mailed the sender who said it was marked delivered. Nuts, I thought. They left it in the parking lot again! So I talked to him on the phone and told him what happened with FedEx last time. Then I e-mailed him for the tracking number and within the e-mail made a joke about how the package had theoretically gotten there and I wondered what else might be in our parking lot.
Like a total idiot, I forwarded the e-mail to our mailroom once I had the tracking number, asking them if they could check downstairs and tell me if they had received the package. The mail room assumed I was talking about them, forwarded the e-mail around their entire department, fired back with a really nasty e-mail talking about how everyone looked down on them and the company would crash if not for them and telling me that such comments were completely inappropriate (for the record, I agree about the latter, especially via e-mail).
Realizing they probably wouldn’t give a rat’s ass if I told them I was referring to FedEx (it was an ill-advised comment regardless), I responded, apologizing profusely to everyone. I haven’t heard back, but they’ve started delivering every single thing from FedEx directly to my desk and having me sign for it instead of putting it in my mailbox like usual.
I’d like to apologize again, but is this something I should just let go? It seems like something I should just let roll off my back, but I don’t want to be treated differently because they think I’m an asshole, though I guess I should try not to care (can’t make everyone like me, anyway). Thoughts? Just let it go or apologize in person? If the latter, what’s the best way?
I’d imagine there’s somebody in charge of the mail room… I’d pay him a visit, explain what happened and how your joke was directed at FedEx, not his employees who always do their jobs, etc. You feel bad that the joke was misconstrued and reflected badly on his employees, and you just want to clear the air, no harm intended, let’s be friends. He’ll probably spread the word.
You’ve already apologized. They’re being a bit immature, not letting it go, treating you differently than everyone else. How much time are they wasting, personally delivering your packages? I say stuff 'em.
Everyone screws up from time to time. I screwed up big time here last week. You’ve apologised, and their actions reflect on them, not you. I expect they’ll get over it in a very short time, but a box of Christmas cookies in a week or so might help things along.
As others said an apology to the head person and some goodies such as donuts or bagels will most likely do it.
Our mail room consists of two men but they do way more than just deliver mail. They set up all chairs and tables for parties, all hands meetings and help with major Christmas decorations. They do not get enough credit for what they do.
I think you can turn this into a win. Go apologize in person and take doughnuts or cookies. If you do it sincerely, the mail guys will love you. They’re so used to everyone blaming them for everything that they’ll be flattered that you’re making an effort to rectify things. Everytime I’ve ever had an issue with an admin or other support staff, I’ve found a sincere apology (even if it really wasn’t my fault) works like a charm and even gets me ahead. It totally pays to have the support staff on your side.
Oh, and I’d recommend bringing along a copy of the e-mails that you mentioned… y’know, as evidence that you really were talking about FedEx rather than the mail crew.
I think I would deliver a box of treats (as mentioned above) along with a note saying how much you appreciate the work that they do and that you are AGAIN sorry for the misunderstanding. Then that’s it. Fuck 'em if they can’t take a joke.