How to Write a Letter Asking for Forgiveness

Asking for forgiveness is a straightforward way to heal a business relationship.

Business relationships, like personal relationships, can become strained. Office politics, turf wars and the wrong words used in anger can split work teams and cripple productivity. When one party is clearly in the wrong, an apology may be the best and quickest way to heal the relationship and bring the parties back together. It may not be possible or comfortable to deliver an apology in person. Email is too informal, and busy schedules make a phone call difficult. A handwritten note asking for forgiveness when you are clearly in the wrong makes the right impression.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Pen
• Envelope
• Postage

Instructions

1. Review the situation and be clear in your own mind that seeking forgiveness is the best course of action. Situations can seem worse than they are if you are tired, under stress or under pressure. Making too much of a situation can make you appear unsure and overreactive. Simple misunderstandings may not warrant a formal apology.

2. Determine who has been affected by the situation. If you are sure asking for forgiveness is the proper action, make a list of those you need to contact and decide the timing of the letters. The sooner you address the situation, the more proactive you will appear to those affected. Make an effort to contact all the offended parties. Leaving someone out may appear deliberate and further strain relationships.

3. Write a detailed account of the situation and the negative consequences of your actions. Do not try to spread the blame. Take full responsibility for the hurt or damage that was done. There may have been others at fault, but your letter speaks only for you. Focus on your actions and how they affected others. State the facts.

4. Express sincere regret for the situation and say, "I'm sorry." Most people do not want revenge when they have been wronged. They want an apology. A written apology shows you have taken the time to think things through and you have taken the time to write them out. Let the other person know your hope is that the relationship can be restored. Ask for forgiveness and pledge that it will not happen again.

5. Suggest action you will take to make restitution, reverse the negative consequences or set the record straight and ask what the offended party feels would repair the situation. Offer to meet and discuss the matter in person. Once the apology is accepted, let the matter rest and move on.

References

• US News Money: Stop Dreading Meetings with Your Boss
• Stepcase LifeHack: Kill Meetings to Get More Done