Apologizing

Question:

What process can I use if I need to apologize?

Definition:

Apologizing is a process of negotiating for and earning forgiveness from someone who feels that your behavior caused them pain. Successfully apologizing means the other person accepts your apology or lets you know what you have to do to earn their forgiveness. Apologizing can help to restore relationships damaged by values violations.

What to do:

1. Recognize Pain - Express recognition of the pain you may have caused others with full empathy for those hurt.

2. Review Actions - Describe what you did and how these actions caused others pain.

3. Express Sorrow - Feel genuine sorrow, guilt and remorse for what you did and for the pain you caused. Express that you are sorry. Explain why you are sorry. (If you don't really feel sorrow, go develop your empathy for those you hurt.)

4. Accept Penalty (If applicable) - Accept reasonable and appropriate penalties that may be required to achieve restitution and/or fulfill the law.

5. Make A Promise - Promise to do your best not to repeat the behavior that caused the pain.

6. Ask For Forgiveness -"Will you accept my apology and forgive me?" "How can I earn your forgiveness."

7. Keep Promise- Follow up with actions consistent with your promise.

(From here, to move forward in the relationship, use the Requesting steps consistent with fulfilling your role.)

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