Five takeaways:
- Apologizing is not easy: a poorly executed apology can actually exacerbate an existing issue. Be ready to apologize in a way that is most likely to solve the problem you created.
- Apologize productively: While an expression of regret is a good start, research shows that the acceptance of an apology is most effectively guaranteed by a tangible offer of repair for harm done, and an explanation of what went wrong.
- Apologizing is less costly and more beneficial than you think: research shows that we tend to overestimate the cost and underestimate the benefit of apologizing.
- Take full responsibility: be bold in self-attributing your own errors, because a begrudging or half-hearted apology is easily detected and will undermine the intention completely.
- Use contrition as a self-improvement practice: life progresses step by step, and our characteristics are adaptable. Recognizing our errors and expressing regret not only strengthens our resolve but also propels us towards continuous self-betterment.
From Arthur C. Brooks at The Atlantic:
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