10/11/2026
Effective communication is a big part of what makes workplaces sustainable. We all struggle to say the most productive things when:
- We’re still feeling the impact of a situation
- We’ve never dealt with something quite like it
- We’re tired, busy, overwhelmed, etc.
That doesn’t make us bad people or managers. It makes us human. But it also means we are responsible for cleaning up any messes our humanness causes—and doing better next time.
Here’s how to give a complete apology:
1. Acknowledge specifically what you did that was hurtful (regardless of any good intention). “I’m sorry…I did [describe]…I was so harsh…I didn’t consider the impact on you…etc.”
2. Share what structure you will put in place to avoid repeating the behavior. (Remember, behavior can be changed. That’s why we focus on it not as a permanent personality trait.) “In the future, I will cool off first and…remember to consult you before making big decisions…remember that what I do has an effect on others…”
3. Do what you said, and give others time to forgive. Trust isn’t rebuilt overnight, especially when others have been hurt and are still healing. It’s not necessarily your responsibility to heal that, too, but you can by being an example of what’s possible in humility and compassion.
