“Never ruin an apology with an excuse.” ~Benjamin Franklin
When you break an agreement—miss that meeting, deadline or date—do so accountably.
Own your error.
Apologize, of course, but lose your precious reasons that generally skip along hand-in-hand with your “I’m sorry.”
However, don’t over apologize.
Over apologizing waters down your message and dilutes its impact.
Your reasons are your reasons; keep them to yourself.
When you list them, it smacks of complaining, as though you’re not really responsible.
You are.
It’s helpful to keep in mind the three parts of an effective apology: “I’m sorry;” “It won’t happen again;” and “What can I do to make it right?”
Keep your apology short and sweet. Most of the time, parts one and two, delivered clearly and sincerely—once—will eliminate the need for number three.
Don’t complain—don’t explain.
It’s a powerful combination.
