Elton John was right... Sorry seems to be the hardest word. Although it is often used out of context which seems to devalue its meaning. Sorry is an apology – it’s meant to be sincere, authentic and an expression that communicates to the receiver that the apology is genuine. Too often I hear sorry used in a meeting when someone puts their hand up and says ‘sorry I have a question’. That is not the best way to gain confidence in what you are about to say, as what people hear is ‘I apologise for’ having a question.
In our professional development workshop PowerUp Your Influence, I have two whiteboards... one with the heading - Always and the other with the heading - Never.
Overusing the word ‘sorry’ fits in the Never category.
There is absolutely a time and a place for saying sorry...and choosing other more appropriate words for the right occasion, may lead to the word sorry regaining its importance as a genuine apology.
#trustedbyprofessionals #confidence # professionaletiquette