Cock-ups and cover-ups at work

Abstract

We all make them: the cock-up at work. The un- or poorly proof-read report, full of errors; the clumsy, embarrassing presentation; the appraisal that leads to serious litigation; the insulted and pissed-off (very important) client. You get asked fundamental questions and you don’t know the answer. Your facts are out-of-date, or wrong. You deliver late without warning, and not what you promised. Like death and taxes and all that, these things happen; they are clearly inevitable at some time.