Let’s talk about a time you said the absolute wrong thing at work

A reader writes:

I encountered an awkward moment with a client the other day and it made me think that others have probably made similar mistakes, and it might be fun to hear from everyone.

I am a lawyer and I am working with a client preparing to testify about his innocence after decades in prison. I was working with him in jail earlier this week, and he was doing a really great job, and as feedback I kept telling him he was “killing it!” As in, “You’re killing it!” And, “Killing it is great!” Alison, she’s been in prison for wrongful murder her entire adult life. I know this, and yet this could happen to my life. No. to stop. Saying. it.

In my subsequent reflection and embarrassment, I realized that others must have similar stories of saying exactly the wrong thing to the wrong person at work. If you’re ever thinking about a call for stories, I’m sure these would be good!

By all means, let us know in the comments section!