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You're busted but innocent. Now what?
Someone in your office screws up, but the guilty party won't step forward and the boss is blaming it on you. What should you do?
It's a trickier scenario than just proclaiming your innocence. The smart way to set things right:
1. Assess the damage Will this be forgotten next week? Will a slipup on one small detail soon be forgotten if the rest of the project is perfect? If so, just drop it. Sometimes, it's least said, soonest mended. If the damage done to your good name matters more, go to the boss and all of the other key people involved with the project (so you won't be perceived as just a kissing up to the head type). This includes the person who made the mistake, which will give him or her an opportunity to come forward.
2. Stay cool. When you talk to the guilty party, keep things calm and friendly (you're more likely to get cooperation). Use non-judgmental language (for example, "I'm in the position of having to defend myself for this mistake, and I find it unfair. I ask you to take responsibility here"). And don't make threats even if this person refuses to take the blame; you'll just aggravate the situation.
3. Arm yourself. Write a memo in support of your side of the story, and offer it to just your boss. It'll help you to clarify your position (and will help your boss to do the same, in case she has to explain the mistake to higher-ups or clients).
4. Be part of the solution. Established your innocence? Great. Now, offer to head up the effort to fix the problem. Its called being a team player.
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