Stop Apologizing And Just Make It Right
I’m not sure exactly when this started or when it became acceptible, but it seems to have recently reached new heights. What am I talking about? The Quick Forgive-Me Apology.
Apparently it’s all the rage. I know professional athletes use it whenever they’re arrested or have their integrity compromised.
It goes like this, as soon as you’re caught doing something wrong, immediately apologize for the infraction, look saddened by your mistake and say that you’ll do better next time.
At this point, the accusing party is supposed to say, “Oh, that’s okay, everyone makes a mistake from time to time. You’re forgiven.”
Businesses seem to have caught on to this trend. In the last week I’ve seen this technique used at least twice as managers dismissed their customers with this trite technique.
I watched as a customer approached a manager in a restaurant with a complaint, only to receive a Quick Forgive-Me apology and a “pat on the head” as they were told, “we’re doing our best.” I’m not saying we shouldn’t be forgiving, I’m just saying we all (businesses included) need to be accountable. As a consumer, don’t ask for more than you deserve, but don’t accept the brush off with a Quick Forgive-Me Apology.
If you like the business that has made the mistake, hold them accountable and help them improve. If you don’t like them… Well, accept their apology and find a business that delivers more than just lip service.
