In corporate America, we (women especially) are told not to say “sorry.” It could make us look weak, they say.
I like the principle and agree that women especially apologize too often for things they didn’t even do wrong. As a result of all the talk about this subject, I definitely always have a internal dialogue with myself regarding whether or not to say “sorry.”
Sure this rule can apply in relationships, but I’m most focused on the one in the workplace. Boss or partner criticizes – do you say “sorry” even when you know you did nothing wrong but address the situation at hand exactly how you thought it needed to be handled?
Instead of saying “sorry,” sometimes I play around with words like “apologies.” Or, I’ll explain why I did things the way I did.
But I think there are times where maybe “sorry” is necessary, and is the only thing a boss will accept. If we don’t show that we are able to take responsibility and be held accountable, undoubtedly that’ll show up on our yearly evaluation.
So what’s your take? To say “sorry” or not?
Apologies can be really powerful. And sometimes what the other person needs to hear to move forward. I used to find myself apologizing for everything though. If you don’t own it and truly did nothing wrong… no apology. Over time, too many of these weakens your image.
When I was working at Little Caesar’s as a cashier (high school job), my boss told me to stop apologizing if there was not anything to apologize for. “It makes people think there is something wrong even when nothing is wrong.” That being said, I do believe that if you and the other person acknowledge a wrong, an apology is warranted. Just saying sorry willy nilly, however, is another story.