User Post: Learning from Charlie Sheen

Charlie sheen, right, with his We all know Charlie and his successful TV show "Two and a Half Men" which debut on CBS in 2003. Over the years we secretly envied him and his co-stars as they demanded more money per episode. Ah yes - those off screen episodes of Mercedes Benz rolling off cliffs, wild parties, claims of threatening behavior, all supported his on screen persona. The audience asked for more or so it would seem to Charlie. Charlie was on top of his world and he appeared invincible. Yet in one moment it unraveled like a cheap knit sweater.

Take home lessons:

Off-work actions can derail your career: While Charlie's off screen episodes were in the personal realm, it quickly overshadowed his work and career. Before you send off your comments to Twitter or Facebook, bite your fingers and think twice. At those binge drinking with friends in restaurants and pubs, bite your tongue and think hard before you pass of any off color comment.

Everyone is replaceable: Given the right excuse, anyone can be let go. It does not matter how much money you made for your company, shareholders or bankers. You may have millions of fan today but watch them disappear after one critical misstep.

Keep emotions to yourself: No matter how big you may be, do not let emotions dictate your behavior. The bigger the persona, the harder you will fall. Take a deep breath, excuse yourself and walk away from the explosive situation. Take as much time as needed to calm yourself, review the situation and when in doubt seek professional help and/or discuss matters with your family.

Do not criticize your boss or coworkers: This applies at work or outside work. Walls have ears, there are coworkers jostling for your position, who knows. If you cannot say a kind word, do not say anything.

Offer sincere apology: If you have made a mistake, learn how to offer sincere, personal and well thought apology. It will help defuse the situation and avoid the circus like atmosphere. Nothing good will come from fanning the flames.

Do Yoga: Learn to unwind and calm your senses at the end of the day. Take up Yoga, meditation or similar de-stressing activity.

Most of us do not have nine career lives like Charlie. Safeguard your one shot at a happy and prosperous career.