Can You Regain Trust After Making A Mistake?

An honest mistake may be forgiven but a calculated lie won’t.

You made an honest mistake or did something wrong and got caught. The next action you take can help or ruin your reputation.

We are all human; we all make mistakes but that’s not an excuse.

·???????? You thought it was ok to do.

·???????? You knew it wasn’t ok, but you did it anyway.

·???????? You didn’t break any rules…but it wasn’t entirely ethical.

And you have been found out.

What’s next?

First you need to acknowledge your mistake and accept responsibility.? At this point its probably a good idea to own up to it all.? Omitting something and thinking it won’t be uncovered is about as likely as nailing jelly to a tree.

Accept responsibility and apologise - genuinely. If the word “but” it in this statement, then go back to the drawing board. ??

There are key elements which make an effective apology:

• Acknowledgement of what happened.
• ?Explanation of why.
• Expression of regret.
• How you will make amends.

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It should go something like this:

·???????? I did something wrong (name it).

·???????? It caused harm (explain it).?

·???????? I am (genuinely) sorry.

·???????? I understand I may have lost your trust.

·???????? I know I can’t go back in time.

·???????? What I can/will do is THIS, THIS AND THIS.

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Remember, an apology delayed is an apology denied.