|
Home / Business / Communication
Cultivate the Art of Apologizing
By:Pj Germain
A valuable negotiation skill for both business and personal worlds is the ability to adequately apologize. We all make mistakes; yet effective, sincere apologies are becoming too uncommon.
Two events in recent years focused my attention on the art of the apology: in Forrest Gump, the character played by Tom Hanks, who was quick to apologize to the Black Panthers, saying: Sorry. I messed up your party. His apologies were quick, genuine, and refreshing. Likewise, Treasury Secretary Robert Altman made headlines when he apologized to Whitewater investigators for misleading them.
Why are we so reluctant to apologize?
For one reason, we might appear weak. We want people to believe we are good; we justify; we scapegoat. In short, we often will resort to almost anything to protect our carefully crafted image.
Another reason might be the adult version of: They started it! We loudly proclaim, I am not apologizing if he (or she) is not apologizing. Or if we do initiate an apology and it is not reciprocated, we become self-righteous and dare to take the moral high ground: At least I apologized.
Here are a few tips to help you cultivate the artful apology:
I did not mean it. This is hardly an excuse; take responsibility for the outcomes of your policies or behaviors. No one told me that is also unacceptable. Be accountable: apologize and do what you can to make right the error.
What did I do? Develop self-awareness. We have all encountered people who grumble, I do not know why I am apologizing. I did not do anything wrong. Or the famous: Everyone else does it, or the begrudging: Well, if I did anything wrong, then I am sorry. Recognize when your actions or words have a hurtful, negative impact; refrain from labeling people as overly sensitive. In reality, you may be insensitive.
No big deal, just consider the source. We often disregard comments from people or organizations we find disdainful. We may not heed complaints because they are given angrily; however, people - no matter how they complain or who they are - may actually be speaking a useful truth. Avoid killing the messenger.
Finally, apologize publicly when you have erred publicly. we have all seen people weasel out of responsibility when they committed an infraction in front of a group by apologizing only to the one individual.
Undoubtedly apologies can be expensive. But consider the impact of a sincere apology: thoughtful words can communicate strength, sincerity, and trust. In these days of conflicts in post offices and schools, and violence in public buildings and traffic, we all do well when we shore up our inner fortitude and utter the few words that can almost instantly deflect rage and mitigate hard feelings: I am really sorry.
Digg
del.icio.us
Blink
Stumble
Spurl
Reddit
Netscape
Furl
Article keywords: communication, apologizing, taking responsibility
Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com
Pj Germain
Affiliate-success.Org
the Executive Edge
Affiliate-success.Info
|
|
| Top Communication Articles |
- 1). What Television’s First Woman President Has To Teach Us By : Randy Siegel
I have a confession to make: I am addicted to Tuesday night’s new hit series “Commander and Chief.” Sure, Geena Davis is beautiful. She tall, regal, and has the best lips in the business after Angelia Jolie. But, television’s first woman president has captured my attention for another reason: I am fascinated with her communication style.
|
- 2). Cold Calling is Great! By : Daegan Smith
You have finally made the big decision to get out of the rat race and start a small business. Congratulations! You have just entered what is known as the small office or home office type of business.
|
- 3). HOW TO COPE WITH A TOXIC BOSS By : Mike Moore
When you find yourself working for a difficult/toxic boss, manager/supervisor/principal you must be cautious. Your well being and future could depend on it..
Here are a few effective strategies to consider.
|
|
|
- 5). Lost in Translation Services? Make Your Presence felt in the International Market By : Peter LeSar
As per the U.S. State Department, U.S. companies tend to lose about $50Bn in potential sales just because of poor translation. Due to Incorrect and culturally inept language translation, most of these companies face further problems. Professional translation services will definitely help in building good image for the products/services these companies have to offer.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| New Communication Articles |
|
|
- 2). The First Great PR Man By : Jonathon Hardcastle
PT Barnum (born Phineas Taylor Barnum) is best known for being a great showman who staged elaborate extravaganzas through his world-famous Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus, a top attraction during the latter-1800s.
|
|
|
- 4). How To Start A Good Conversation By : Jimmy Cox
Imagine the scene... You have been looking forward to this great get together for a long time and are keen to impress everyone there. You arrive on time and then...to your horror you become tongue-tied!
|
- 5). The Secret Of Writing Successful Business Letters By : NamSing Then
Everyone writes business letter when they start to work in a corporate environment. But the difference between a sale, a promotion or that raise, might just depend on your letters. This article tells you what to do when writinging a successful business letter.
|
- 6). Making Your Business Communication Count By : Liane Bate
Sometimes the only the thing that determines whether or not you make the sale is how well you communicate with your prospects and customers. Communication really is an art that needs to be practiced and refined. You may think you know exactly what to say, but it doesn’t take much to turn a person right off.
|
|
|
- 8). Fabulous First Impressions By : Randy Siegel
It’s called the “four-second window,” and our challenge as communicators is to learn how to master first impressions in order to open the lines of communication.
|
|
|
- 10). Disadvantages of Cold Calling By : Daegan Smith
There are good ways and there are bad ways to market a product or service. One of the marketing ways that always gets flak is the technique called cold calling.
|
|
|
