First We Say Sorry
I haven’t posted in April – have been contemplating whether to continue the blog, or whether it’s time to move on.
We continue.
But first we say sorry – properly.
The 13th most famous quote is Love Story’s “Love means never having to say you’re sorry”. I couldn’t disagree more. I’m more in Ryan O’Neal’s own deadpan riposte to Barbra Streisand two years later “That’s the dumbest thing I ever heard”.
In life – and in business – I’m more with Bernie Taupin “Sorry seems to be the hardest word”.
A study by Roy Lewicki at Ohio State has come up with a six step checklist designed to help you and your ‘victim’ regroup and move on:
- Acknowledge your responsibility
- Offer amends
- Express regret
- Explain what went wrong
- Declare repentance
- Ask for forgiveness.
Whilst holding eye contact, speaking caringly and looking for a physical signal to accelerate the healing.
You may have to bear a vent – then repeat the steps.
KR