How to Apologize Professionally: Sample Scripts
You’ve done wrong at work and an apology is due. But you’re delaying this conversation because you don’t know how to apologize professionally. Here’s a quick refresher on mending things with a coworker, a client, or even your boss.
Why a Professional Apology Goes a Long Way
Saying sorry isn’t easy. Our brain is wired to come up with different excuses for not doing so like expressing low concern for the wrongdoing, considering an apology as a threat to your self-image, or just persuading you that it won’t be effective.
Neither of these statements is true most of the time. A heartfelt apology mends relationships and builds trust. It also helps reduce your stress levels by resolving the guilt or shame you may feel. Plus, an apology is great for the receiving party too. Science says it activates empathy-related brain regions that are responsible for emotions like forgiveness and reconciliation.
The lack of an apology, on the other hand, will rub people the wrong way.…