Question

List the factors that might cause an apology to be considered insincere. Then, in a separate paragraph, give an example of an apology that you have experienced in the workplace (or, you may use an academic setting). Describe what could have made the apology more sincere and effective.

Answer 1

The factors that might cause an apology to be considered insincere are:

(i) The use of word “if” in the apology – The use of “if” in an apology makes the apology to be conditional and hence insincere. For example a person pulls a prank on his friend and due to this his friend gets emotionally hurt. The person apologizes by saying – “I am sorry if my prank offended you”. This apology will be considered insincere as the underlying assumption is that the prank should not have offended him.

(ii) The apology is not done at the appropriate time and place – If an apology is too late it will be considered insincere. A sincere apology has to be on time and quick enough so that the intention that you are apologetic is clearly conveyed.

(iii) The apology is empty – When the apology is empty i.e. it has only form but no substance then it will be regarded as insincere.

An example of an apology that I have experienced in the workplace was when my subordinate failed to complete his task on time and made an apology. The subordinate simply said “I am sorry this happened”. This apology could have been made more sincere and effective by taking responsibility for the delay, expressing regret in all earnest and promising that such a delay will not happen again in future.