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The Art of Saying Sorry: How to Make Your Apology as Effective as Possible

Consider Legal Entanglements

In some situations, an apology can equate to an admission of guilt. If there are any concerns about the repercussions of an apology, you may want to consult with your legal department before making it.

However, if you messed up and the results are catastrophic, it's important to own the mistake and accept the consequences. If you try and shift the blame, someone else might pay, and others may lose respect for you. 

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IDEA EXTRACTED FROM:

The Art of Saying Sorry: How to Make Your Apology as Effective as Possible

The Art of Saying Sorry: How to Make Your Apology as Effective as Possible

https://www.inc.com/john-boitnott/the-art-of-saying-sorry-how-to-make-your-apology-as-effective-as-possible.html

inc.com

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Key Ideas

Resentments Build

Timeliness is crucial for workplace apologies. Tensions can easily escalate to the point of making work unbearable for one or more parties. 

Once you recognize that you owe an apology, do your best to make it as soon as possible, and try to turn the interaction into a constructive conversation. 

Consider Legal Entanglements

In some situations, an apology can equate to an admission of guilt. If there are any concerns about the repercussions of an apology, you may want to consult with your legal department before making it.

However, if you messed up and the results are catastrophic, it's important to own the mistake and accept the consequences. If you try and shift the blame, someone else might pay, and others may lose respect for you. 

Don't Assume Fault that Isn't Yours

If you are wrongly blamed for a mistake, make your case and speak up for yourself. 

You may be tempted to cover for others, and while helping someone else out of a tough spot may seem noble, this could eventually evolve into someone using you as a doormat, or escaping responsibility for repeated mistakes.

Don't Compromise Personal Values

Some business people employ underhanded or downright illegal tactics in their work. If you are pressured to do the same and refuse, there is no need to apologize. Your personal integrity is more important than smoothing over a stressful situation.

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The Lost Art Of Apologizing (And How To Do It Right Every Time)

The Lost Art Of Apologizing (And How To Do It Right Every Time)

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-24481/the-lost-art-of-apologizing-and-how-to-do-it-right-every-time.html

mindbodygreen.com

We've all been hurt by other people. You've also hurt people yourself. Whether the transgression was accidental or intentional, it hurts. Sometimes a loss of trust like this is temporary and can be healed. Other times, it leaves long-term scars, discord, and irreparable damage that ultimately ends the relationship.

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Key Ideas

Be sincere

The only time to apologize is when you’re genuinely remorseful. 

Avoid any apology that is forced. The person you are apologizing to will pick up on your ...

Be honest and vulnerable

In order to show your sincerity when apologizing, you must be honest and vulnerable. That can lead to the cultivation of meaningful relationships. It can also lead to rejection, which is what makes it so scary. 

When you apologize, be willing to share openly and candidly, allowing emotions to flow freely, so that you can be fully seen.

Admit fault

Take responsibility for your actions and admit your mistakes or transgressions. State them out loud. Yes, it will be scary. It will feel shameful for a time. But it is worth it.

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The Art of the Apology

The Art of the Apology

https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/fixing-families/201811/the-art-the-apology

psychologytoday.com

We've all met people who never apologize, who proudly tell you that their family has a no-apology reputation that goes back generations. This tough stance is often mixed with notions of fierce independence, personal pride, and an every-man-for-himself mentality. Apologizing, according to this mindset, shows weakness and vulnerability; once you do, you're in danger of being taken advantage of.

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Key Idea

Apologies are not about right and wrong

They're about taking responsibility for unintentionally (or even intentionally) hurting someone emotionally or physically.

You apologize less because of you and your c...

Study Reveals The 6 Key Components Of An Effective Apology

Study Reveals The 6 Key Components Of An Effective Apology

https://www.forbes.com/sites/amymorin/2016/04/14/study-reveals-the-6-key-components-of-an-effective-apology/

forbes.com

The news is often filled with cringe-worthy apologies that make a leader or a politician lose even more favor. Saying things like, "I'm sorry if you were hurt," or "I am sorry people were offended," comes across as phony and insincere. Such non-apology apologies do nothing to remedy the situation.

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Key Ideas

6 Components of a good apology
  1. Expression of regret
  2. Explanation of what went wrong
  3. Acknowledgment of responsibility
  4. Declaration of repentance
  5. Offer of repair
  6. Request for forgiveness
Communicate Effectively And Sincerely

The content of an apology is only half the battle. The delivery matters as well. If you mumble, avert eye contact, or stand in the corner with your arms crossed, it won’t matter what you say. 

No matter how much damage was done, a sincere apology restores faith.

The Courage To Apologize

Saying you’re sorry is uncomfortable. It can be hard to admit your shortcomings and acknowledge your mistakes. But taking responsibility is the key to restoring trust.