Most of us have made mistakes, inconvenienced others or rubbed someone the wrong way at work we might have missed a deadline, forgotten about a meeting, or not responded to a client who was eagerly waiting to hear back from us. While saying "sorry" is probably what's needed to redeem ourselves in such cases, it's important to know where to draw the line, because there is such a thing as going overboard with an apology.
Over-apologising – that is, apologising too much or too intensely – is not uncommon in the workplace. It can be hard to move on from knowing that we upset someone or did something wrong (even if the situation was beyond our control).
However, mental health and career experts say that this self-deprecating habit can destroy your confidence at work, make you appear weak or incompetent, and annoy your co-workers, causing them to lose respect for you. The best and most professional way to apologise for a mistake is simply to own up to it and try to fix it.
OVER-APOLOGISING: WHO DOES IT AND WHY?
There are many reasons why someone might over-apologise. It might stem from low self-esteem, so some people apologise more than is necessary to make themselves feel better, or to compensate for what they deem to be their own flaws or failures, says Dr Lim Boon Leng, a psychiatrist at Dr BL Lim Centre for Psychological Wellness.
Individuals with low self-esteem also tend to worry about what others think. To avoid conflict or negative outcomes, they may feel like they need to apologise more.
Others are just conflict-avoidant, and for them, over-apologising may be the best way out of a difficult situation.
Denne historien er fra May 2023-utgaven av Her World Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra May 2023-utgaven av Her World Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
What Are Some Watches That Double As Pieces Of Art?
The Bvlgari Fenice High Jewellery watch is a spell-binding expression of the Italian jeweller's audacious aesthetic.
Getting To The Seoul Of K-Beauty
The days of complex 10-step skincare routines may be behind us, but K-beauty's skin-first approach continues to dominate markets worldwide. Here's a closer look at the phenomenon.
My Super Power Is Saying No
It's 2009, and some 1.67 million Singaporeans are tuning into the two-hour finale of the hit Chinese language series The Little Nyonya, transfixed by the multi-generational saga of three Peranakan families.
New York State Of Mind
Inspired by the Big Apple, Coach's new Times Square Tabby is an amalgamation of the city's love stories, both old and new.
Building Safer Workplaces
As an increasing number of workplaces are understanding the importance of mental health, we ask three leaders what it will take to move the needle to create environments where we can speak up, challenge the status quo, and have our needs met.
What Beauty Routine Should You Follow If You Have Eczema?
Quinn Chen, co-founder of Singapore beauty brand, Ice's Secret, answers.
A Mid-Career Change Is Not A Crisis
A mid-career switch, while daunting, can be the key to unlocking a more fulfilling and aligned professional life.
It's Cool To Get Cold
Ice baths are popping up around Singapore, waiting for you to take the plunge.
Will joining a breast cancer support group help me with my healing journey?
Emily Goh, senior medical social worker, answers.
PASSION FOR A CAUSE
Rebellion of the academic sort - runs in Anna Yip's blood. The deputy CEO of Singtel Singapore tells us how self-love, confidence, and a passion for tech guide her as she leads one of the nation's most established telecommunications companies into the future.
