18/10/2023
In my upbringing within a traditional family, the concept of receiving apologies from my elders was practically nonexistent. Even when they were clearly at fault, the most I could hope for was a half-hearted, faint "sorry." This had a profound impact on my personal development. While I had no qualms about apologising to those in positions of authority, I struggled when it came to apologising to my peers or subordinates at work.
Several years ago, I had the privilege of witnessing a senior manager extend a apology to one of his subordinates. This experience provided me with some valuable insights:
1. A sincere apology is a testament to the apologiser's strength. The manager didn't allow his ego to dictate his actions.
2. A sincere apology underscores the integrity of the apologiser. There was no attempt to shift blame onto someone else; the manager took full responsibility for his mistake.
3. A sincere apology has the power to strengthen relationships. I distinctly remember that the meeting concluded with a more solid bond founded on trust.
On that day, my respect for the manager reached new heights. It opened my eyes to a fresh perspective – "it is alright okay make mistakes, just make sure you apologise."
Although I have made progress in apologising for my mistakes, I am still in the process of learning and growing in this regard. I hope to eventually overcome the pride within me and that whenever I am at fault, I would promptly utter the words, "I am sorry."
