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How to Apologize to Your Boss for Missing a Deadline

Deadlines are a reality of working in any business, and some people are better with them than others. Missing deadlines can not only upset your boss or other superiors, but could also cost you your job. Apologizing before your boss brings the situation up with you can persuade your boss to give you a chance to complete the project, and give you another chance to prove that you have learned from your mistake. Making sure that you apologize will also show your boss that you respect him and the deadlines he imposes.

Things You'll Need

  • Written plan of action
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Instructions

    • 1

      Ask your boss for a meeting with him at a time that would be convenient for him. Make sure that you make this request out of earshot of the rest of the office staff in order to avoid any unnecessary attention being drawn to either of you.

    • 2

      Apologize for the missed deadline without making excuses. Excuses make an apology seem insincere. If your boss asks why you have missed your deadline, give him precise reasons without expanding on them. A simple answer such as I was out sick, as long as it is truthful, will go a lot farther than telling your boss that you thought you should have had help because you were sick and out of work for a week.

    • 3

      Present a written plan of action to your boss that details exactly what you will do to finish the current project. Your plan of action should also detail steps to keep from missing another deadline.

    • 4

      Listen to any concerns your boss has with your plan or your current work. Be sure to follow through with any requests that are made of you in order to show your boss that your apology was sincere and that you want to change the behaviors that led to you missing your deadline.

Tips & Warnings

  • Remember that apologies should always be made in person unless there is absolutely no way for you to have a meeting with your boss.

  • Asking for help before a deadline can help you complete work by a deadline.

  • Continuing to miss deadlines or not following through on the suggestions made by your boss could lead to a dismissal from your job.

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