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Advice

My boss caught me rolling my eyes at her. Now what?

Do you apologize? Claudia Dey helps you do damage control.
By Claudia Dey
My boss caught me rolling my eyes at her. Now what?

Photo, iStock.

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.

claudia-dey

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.

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Submit your questions to Dear Claudia at chatelaine.com/askclaudia

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