Page 142 - The Voice of Authority

Figure 7.1

Pseudo-Apologies That Alienate

Apology, Plus Denial
“No, I didn’t e-mail the meeting agenda to everyone ahead
of time. I apologize—I didn’t know I was supposed to do
that.”

Translation: I’m not in error here. Whoever was in charge
of telling me to do that screwed up—not me.

Apology, Plus Good Intentions

“I’ve been putting out fires all morning ever since I came
in at 6:30, but I won’t bore you with the details. So I apol-
ogize that I didn’t e-mail the meeting agenda to everyone
ahead of time.”
Translation: I had good intentions, so please give me
some credit for those. Besides that, I’m busier than most
of you.

Apology, Plus Excuse

“I apologize for not e-mailing the meeting agenda to
everyone ahead of time. It’s just been my experience that
nobody ever looks at them ahead of time anyway.”

Translation: There’s no reason to apologize then.
Apology, Plus Personal Problems

“I apologize for not e-mailing the meeting agenda to
everyone. I think I told several of you about how my week-
ends have been going, so I hope you understand.”

Translation: Please cut me some slack. I have personal
problems.

(continued)

130 The Voice of Authority