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The 3 Mandatory Elements Required for a Proper Apology
A great apology can demonstrate contrition. Here’s how to do it correctly.
It’s a fact of life that we are going make mistakes, either through a lapse of judgment or lack of awareness.
In cases where the crime is not so egregious that a reconciliation may be possible, an apology will be necessary. The good news is, most people have a great capacity for forgiveness if they believe the person who erred is contrite and sincere. A great apology can demonstrate this.
A proper apology must contain these 3 elements:
- Acknowledge what happened
- Take responsibility
- Apologize
1. Acknowledge what happened.
Show you understand your wrongdoing by stating exactly what happened. Do not gaslight. Acknowledge it.
“Yesterday, I was supposed to meet you for coffee, and I didn’t show up.”
2. Take responsibility.
Own the situation. Do not place blame elsewhere. Do not shirk away from fault.
“I had a lapse of judgment, and I have to take full responsibility for that.”
