The art of the apology

“Apologies require taking full responsibility. No half-truths, no partial admissions, no excuses, no rationalizations, no finger pointing, and no justifications belong in any apology.” ~Cathy Burnham Martin

I’ve always admired people who know how to apologize. Ironically, some people fear that admitting an error is a sign of weakness. It might seem easier to preserve your dignity by kicking your mistakes under the rug and acting as if they never happened. Or blaming someone else. Or making excuses. In reality, refusing to admit you screwed up comes across as arrogant or uncaring — and makes you look small.

Apologizing takes courage, class, and humility. Those who set aside their egos while delivering a sincere apology are more likely to earn trust and respect than those who dodge responsibility for their actions. Whether you’re in love or in business, “I’m sorry” could be the most powerful phrase in your vocabulary. ~CL