Worklife with Adam Grant The secrets of a great apology
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May 27, 2025 
Beth Polin, a management professor, and Mark Gallagher, a Formula One expert, delve into the art of sincere apologies. They discuss how a genuine apology can restore trust and repair relationships, highlighting essential elements like responsibility and empathy. Polin shares insights on teaching children the importance of amending wrongs, while Gallagher connects the intricacies of effective apologies to high-stakes decision-making in racing. Their conversation unveils the transformative power of accountability both in personal and professional realms.
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Drive-by Apologies in Pre-K
- In pre-K, children often give "drive-by apologies" that are insincere and quick without real repair.
- Kath Konecky guides kids to understand the importance of meaningful apologies that acknowledge others' feelings.
Five R's of Effective Apologies
- Effective apologies have five key components called the five R's: regret, rationale, responsibility, repentance, and repair.
- Saying "sorry" is not enough; full responsibility and commitment to repair are crucial to rebuild trust.
Take Responsibility and Repair
- Take full responsibility in your apology rather than making excuses or blaming external factors.
- Pair apology with concrete plans to repair the harm and prevent it from happening again.