0 items, $0
You blew it. You messed up a job. Or you embarrassed yourself at a dinner. You feel terrible. But before you panic, remember that stuff happens in life pretty regularly. A critical skill, for a company and the individual, is dealing effectively with adversity.
So, what is the most effective thing to do when you do something that damages a relationship you care about? Based on conversations with a psychologist and a communications expert, it's best if you address the issue head on, as follows:
1. Apologize promptly and take responsibility. Be clear, speak slowly, and listen patiently to the response.
2. Explain clearly how it happened.
3. Offer to make amends. Invite ideas for ways to do so.
4. Invite ideas for ways to avoid such occurrences in the future.
5. As time passes, offer reminders that you have not forgotten the promises you made in your amends, and explain how you are assuring that it never happens again.
6. Be sure it does not happen again. If it does, follow these same steps once again. People do forgive ... but only so many times.
This article originally appeared in The Business Owner Journal, the periodical of choice for owners of small and midsize private businesses. All rights reserved, D.L. Perkins LLC. © 2010.
This publication is intended to provide general information on the subject matters covered. It is sold and distributed with the understanding that neither the publisher nor any distributor or advertiser is engaged in providing legal, tax, insurance, investment or other professional advice. The advice of a qualified professional should be sought before any reader applies a concept presented herein to his or her particular situation or business.
D.L. Perkins, LLC is solely responsible for this content.
Facebook
RSS
Twitter
Blog
You Tube
