Here's a little tip. If you do something wrong. If you display manners that lead people to question if you were raised in a barn or not, this is what you do:
You say, "I was out of line - and..."
this is the key point, the point you should bold and underline in your head, the part that speaks volumes about you as a person...
..."it won't happen again"
That's it.
If you say that, it will be the end of the controversy.
See how easy that is?
Clearly it's been a well hidden secret and I'm here to share that secret.
Once again, simply...
..."it won't happen again"
It's fruitless and meaningless when you've done something wrong and then apologize for it over and over again and the actions remain the same.
No one really cares if you're sorry. Yeah, it's good if you legitimately are, but in the end - all anyone really, truly wants, is for whatever action you did - to not be repeated in the case of bad manners.
Don't try to justify it. Don't try to avoid it. Just simply say...
..."it won't happen again"
This allows you to maintain your stance, but ensures everyone else in the world that you will not act in that clearly inappropriate manner again.
DON'T MAKE ME CALL YOUR MOTHER!
You are correct. I hope that does happen again ;-).
ReplyDeleteWhen I used to coach my witnesses about being cross examined prior to a trial I used to tell them the best thing to do if they ask you about something that is damaging and true is just to admit it simply and not explain or equivocate unless you have to. It usually made the landing softer.
ReplyDeleteTo his credit, our President behaved with his usual grace. Which is almost enough rebuff in and of itself.
ReplyDeleteVery good advice, and I have a few ppl I'd like to read this...
ReplyDelete