The art of a heartfelt apology
Estimated time20 minutes
Why is it that some apologies bring people closer together while others leave relationships feeling just as strained as before?
This article explores what makes an apology impactful. An impactful apology acknowledges harm, takes responsibility, and demonstrates a willingness to understand another person's experience.
Done well, an apology can help restore trust and create the conditions for repair.
When an apology is focused on expressing regret, the perpetrator is centering themselves while the most successful apologies center the one who was harmed and leave them feeling fully understood.
Read the article on harvard.edu
As you read, reflect on these questions:
What is the most meaningful apology you have ever received? What made it feel sincere?
When you apologize, do you focus more on your intentions or on the impact your actions had on the other person?
What makes it difficult to take full accountability for harm and what makes it easy?
Repair is about being willing to return to the people we have hurt and do the work of making things right.