How to Make an Apology at the Office
An effective apology restores trust between people and keeps small problems from becoming bigger issues. Rather than simply blurting out a few words when making an apology at the office, take steps to ensure that the person on the receiving end of your apology accepts it as sincere. When you do something that offends someone else, it's just as important to demonstrate your responsibility for your actions as it is to say the obligatory words.
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Instructions
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Approach the co-worker when he is unoccupied, leave him a note or send an interoffice email to make your request for the meeting. Ask the co-worker, politely, to meet with you briefly during his break or at lunch. Suggest a private setting for the meeting, such as one of your offices or an unoccupied break room.
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Meet with the co-worker and make a statement of responsibility for your actions such as, "I was wrong when I reprimanded you in front of a customer earlier." This lets the other person know that you acknowledge your mistake.
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State what you should have done instead, "I should have called you aside and spoken to you privately about my concerns." This allows the other person to realize that you know the correct course of action.
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Acknowledge the other person's feelings, "I know that I probably embarrassed you and hurt your feelings." This will give the person a sense that you understand how she feels.
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Apologize and state how you plan on handling future interactions. "I am sorry for being inconsiderate. In the future, if I need to speak to you, I will do it in private." This shows your goodwill toward the other person and your desire to avoid any further conflict.
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Tips & Warnings
Be as sincere as possible when offering the apology.
Follow through with your promise to handle the situation differently in the future.
Do not make excuses or blame others for your behavior because it can cause your apology to seem insincere.
Even if you make your best effort, the person to whom you apologize may not react as you would hope.
References
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