Apologizing
While most people attempt to avoid making mistakes, it's inevitable that one will occur, and it's important to acknowledge this and make amends rather than trying to ignore it or cover up.
Guidelines for making an apology:
- Be specific about what you're apologizing for, and indicate that you understand the harm that was done. Do not make vague, catch-all apologies, as they seem insincere.
- Focus on solutions - The difference between an apology and an excuse is that the former seeks to rectify the situation: you should have a clear course of action in mind
- Be sincere in your apology - if you goal is simply to shut someone up rather than to make amends, an apology may not be in order
- Avoid the over-use of the phrase "I'm sorry" in situations where it doesn't apply. Some people sue the phrase habitually, when anything unfortunate or inconvenient happens, which dilutes its value.
If the shoe is on the other foot, and someone is apologizing to you, then simply accept it. The purpose of an apology is not to rectify the situation, but to salvage the relationship.