24/06/2022
Giving and receiving apologies is such an integral piece of breaking through conflicts and moving forward. When an apology is given, often the other person is expected to accept it as it is presented. But have you ever stopped to consider the authenticity of that apology?
Does the apology you've given or received sound like ? :
- "I'm sorry, but you did.... "
- "I'm sorry if you see it that way"
- "I was only joking"
- "I'll apologise if you do"
- "I regret that it happened"
- "You know I didn't mean it"
If so, then it may be a conditional, "read-the-fine-print" apology.
The most genuine and sincere of apologies:
- Take ownership of the role you play in the conflict
- Acknowledge the hurt caused to the other person
- See it as an opportunity for change and to learn from mistakes
- Are actually remorseful
- Are given freely, without conditions
A real and heartfelt apology doesn't actually need many words, or big grand gestures. But it is ALWAYS followed up with positive action to repair the damage caused.