Losing your cool in a meeting. That Tweet you really shouldn’t have sent. Gossiping about a colleague. We all make mistakes, and sometimes hurt people through our behavior, words and actions – intentionally or by accident.
That’s why we all need to know how to apologize. It isn’t always easy to say you’re sorry, but it’s the best way to restore trust when you’ve done something wrong.
In this article, we’ll explore why apologies are so important, and look at how to say sorry for a mistake you’ve made.
What Is an Apology?
An apology is a statement with two key elements. It:
- Shows you feel remorse over your actions.
- Acknowledges the hurt that your actions caused to someone else.
Why Apologize?
Sincere apologies help to rebuild relationships with people you’ve hurt. That could be colleagues, clients, friends, or family.
By owning up to your mistake, you open a dialog with the other person. That way, you can reflect on and take responsibility for your actions. And they can process their feelings, restore their dignity, and avoid blaming themselves for what happened.
