My boss caught me rolling my eyes at her. Now what?
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Dear Claudia,
I have zero poker face. At a meeting, my boss caught me rolling my eyes at one of her ideas. She hasn’t brought it up, but it’s awkward. Should I apologize? And how can I fix my expressive face?
Dear No Poker Face,
I’m going to steer you against the apology. I know — cue the sirens and strobe lights and licking fires of hell; but I think women tend to over-apologize in the workplace. Over-delivering is a much more effective way to correct a breach. You’re not just punctual now: You’re early. You don’t just listen: You engage and elevate.
As for your face, you’re going to want to work on your timing. Bring a prop to your next meeting. When you feel overcome by tides of boredom or frustration, turn to that bracelet or notebook or heart-shaped photo of your reward dessert to divert your wild gaze.
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Claudia Dey is a novelist, columnist and Governor General’s Award–nominated playwright. She is the author of How to Be a Bush Pilot: A Field Guide to Getting Luckier.
Submit your questions to Dear Claudia at chatelaine.com/askclaudia
