I'm sorry if this article offends you...
I'm sorry if this article offends you... ?
...actually I'm not. ?
And that is the whole point. ?
We have made a habit of constantly saying "sorry" when we are not actually sorry, nor do we need to be. ?
Think about it, how many times have you been standing somewhere, and someone else runs into you and you say "Oh, I'm sorry!" Sorry for what? Taking up space? existing?
While it may be perceived as polite it can also be disempowering.
This linguistic habit can end up giving small papercuts to our confidence all throughout the day, slowly draining our self-esteem. ?
It's time to try something new!
Here are some alternative options to common situations you can try on for fit: ?
Situation 1: Someone physically bumps into you ?
Current Habit: Oh, I'm so sorry ?
Empowering Alternative: (wait for them to speak, usually they will apologize) No worries, are you alright? ... Have a great day! ?
?
Situation 2: You'd like to contribute to a conversation ?
Current Habit: I'm sorry, can I add in??
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Empowering Alternative: These are great points, I would love to add in. ?
?
Situation 3: You're late for a meeting ?
Current Habit: Rush in and say "I'm sorry I'm late" ?
Empowering Alternative: Send a note at least 5 minutes ahead of being late letting the team know you are held up "Team, I am unexpectedly held up (in my prior meeting/due to technical issues/with a schedule conflict), I will be able to join 5 minutes later than our start time. I appreciate your understanding." When you join the meeting start with "Thank you for waiting for me." ?
Situation 4: You made a mistake?
Current Habit: I'm sorry I made a mistake. ?
Empower Alternative/s: "The results were not what we expected." - "I take full responsibility for the outcome, and here are some solutions I have thought of to adjust moving forward..." - "Thank you for the feedback" ?
Another wonderful benefit of adopting this new relationship with the phrase "I'm sorry" is that you enhance the sincerity and meaning of the phrase when you do choose to use it.
Have some alternatives you'd used? ?
Most of the time if I write something it is because I am actively working on embodying the lesson myself. I think just yesterday I apologized 5 times for silly things! ?I'd love to learn more of your Empowering Alternatives - please share them below in the comments. :)?
Janine, your thoughtful perspective sparks creativity and inspires growth. It's refreshing to see such an open discussion on these topics. Keep sharing your innovative insights!
CMO & Founder @ Huemor ? B2B websites that outsell the competition ? 93% more website leads & ZERO extra AD spend ? [DM me so HUE can learn MOR]
8 个月It's important to discuss topics like these that might be challenging. They often lead to growth and innovation. What inspired you to write this piece?
President at LeafFilter Gutter Protection
1 年I enjoyed this insight. Sorry