Ways to Apologize

"Sorry seems to be the hardest word," crooned Elton John and how right he is in his song. Elton seems to have got that part right, where sorry is the hardest word, and people cant bring themselves to apologize. Just saying those two words "I’m sorry" makes them stutter and stammer. I personally do not understand why this happens, because I would go to any extent to avoid an argument and confrontation and to keep peace. This doesn’t mean that I have no pride or no ego. I am as egotistical as the next person, but saying sorry isn’t the hardest thing where I am concerned. Though this doesn’t mean that when I am apologizing to a person who I have seriously offended or hurt doesn’t come with sincerity, because it does. What I am trying to put through here is, what is the big deal in apologizing!

Now apologizing depends on the kind of situation you have put yourself in, or have been put in. You could be apologizing to a loved one – friend, family or lover; or you could be apologizing to a customer who isn’t particularly pleased with a service or product and it is your responsibility to apologize and make amends. This could be another aspect of apologizing, making amends.

Now there are ways to apologize…you could go the traditional way or get creative. Remember that this is when we are talking about apologizing to loved ones, and not to customers. Traditional ways of apologizing are the same chocolates, cards, flowers and apology notes. Though these are not creative they are sure to work, call these tried and tested methods if you may. You can select a card that has some words that seem to convey your message and apology, or a bunch of flowers will do the trick. Chocolates are great for those who will be melted by that sorry look in your eyes and a box full of their favorite Godiva.

But if you want to show the person that you’ve put in some thoughts in your apology, wow them with your creativity. Try writing a limerick (a short five line humorous poem) that conveys your apology, but don’t offend the person further. If a limerick isn’t appropriate try writing a poem or a short story. Use your creativity. If you are good with music, write a poem. Or bake a cake with sorry written on it with icing. Do whatever it takes. Trust me, the relief you feel after you have apologized.

Lets come to the part where you need to apologize to a customer; the best thing to do is write an apology letter. Do not try getting into who is right and who is wrong, as far as business is concerned, the customer is always right. So write that apology letter and make sure it is prompt. An apology that comes too late is quite pointless. Do not try to defend yourself, your junior or the company in the letter. Keep it simple; offer the apology and other options to right the wrong that has been done and do not aggravate the situation.

The best advice though unsolicited, I can offer is…just apologize, it doesn’t make you any less of a man or woman to say you are sorry does it?