When Sorry is the Easiest word.
Posted November 13, 2009 – 12:16 pm in: Leadership, Role Models“Sorry”, is not a word we hear often, especially not in an organisational sense. When used it can be used in two contexts, either in the sense of it being a true statement of regret or it can become a hollow phrase of appeasement.
I have been reflecting on people saying sorry over the past couple of weeks. My reflections have been driven by the statements of contrition by politicians over the use, or perhaps abuse, of expense accounts. How easy it is to apologise and expect matters to be closed. The true impact of the word occurs by our actions not just by our words.
For me, sorry only means sorry, when it is accompanied by an indication of what one will do to make sure there will be no re-occurrence of the situation. It then demonstrates to me, that the person apologising is genuine. This is especially necessary in the organisational sense. It demonstrates integrity, an intellectual honesty and strength in ability to listen and recognise when one is wrong. More importantly by supporting our words with intended change, we demonstrate our acceptance of responsibility for our past actions.
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