Heartfelt Apology: How to Unequivocally Prepare | #PeopleSkills #LeadMorale
by Kate Nasser | 2 Comments »
Have you ever struggled to give a simple heartfelt apology? Perhaps you’ve witnessed someone struggling to give one or you have received a botched apology? Well the good news is there is a simple and foolproof way to prepare a heartfelt apology. It’s as easy as one, two, three.
Simplest & Foolproof Way to Prepare a Heartfelt Apology. Image licensed from 123RF.com
The Simplest Way to Give a Heartfelt Apology
Think of the botched apologies you have received. It you are like others, you will quickly remember what was wrong with those apologies.
They say “I …”
-
Didn’t mean to hurt you.
-
I am sorry IF I hurt you or IF you felt I hurt you or I am sorry but….
These are not apologies. They are shameful sidesteps and lame attempts to get your forgiveness without their showing true regret.
So instead, use this three step approach when you prepare your heartfelt apology:
Get a piece of paper and write down, “I …”
-
Didn’t mean to hurt you.Then cross it out. -
Am sorry IF I hurt you or IF you felt I hurt you or I am sorry but…Then cross it out. -
I am very sorry for what I did, for how I hurt you, and for the impact it had on you! I would like to make amends.
Now You Are Ready!
When you give a heartfelt apology, skip #1 and #2 and just do #3. So simple. No ifs, buts, or sidesteps. Unequivocal, straight on, accountable, and showing you care.
Don’t you just love it when life gets simple!
From my professional experience to your success,
Kate Nasser, The People Skills Coach™
Related Post:
The Apology: A Perfect Chance to Build Trust in Yourself & Rebuild Other’s Trust!
Teamwork: Making Apologies That Your Team Members Deserve
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Kate Nasser, The People Skills Coach™, delivers coaching, consulting, training, and keynotes on leading change, employee engagement, teamwork, and delivering the ultimate customer service. She turns interaction obstacles into interpersonal success. See this site for workshop outlines, keynote footage, and customer results.
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Powerful, Kate! I recognize that this is a personal apology, but it also relates to customer service. Years ago, I was at a meeting at UT Austin and they were sharing some of their research findings on customer service. They found the most powerful thing to do was to not only apologize and take responsibility but also offer to make amends – and do it. Love that you included this critical piece.
Alli
Aah yes Alli, showing an apology has true depth — by making amends. I totally agree!
Many thanks,
Kate