Mistakes are part of life. As much as we strive to do everything the way it is supposed to be done, we occasionally find ourselves making mistakes. However, once we have acknowledged our mistakes, we need to apologize.
Apologizing for mistakes committed is very important since it shows that we have reflected on the mistakes, and learnt that we should do things differently next time we are presented with the same incidents.
Even if many people feel that apologizing is a sign of weakness, that is never the case. Actually, when we apologize for mistakes, we show accountability which is a key value that every person should have.
How To Apologize For A Mistake Professionally
After making a mistake and acknowledging it, you need to apologize for the mistake. The manner in which you apologize for the mistake will play a crucial role in determining whether your apology is accepted or not. Indeed, if you do not apologize in the right way, your apology could end up doing more harm than good.
One of the best ways to professionally apologize for a mistake involves writing an apology letter. In the apology letter, you need to ensure that the following elements are captured:
Accept The Mistake
You need to accept that you indeed made the mistake. This shows accountability and it will also show that you have taken responsibility for the mistake.
Briefly Explain What Happened
By briefly explaining what happened, you will be showing that you have had time to reflect on what happened, and from that reflection, you got to understand that your behaviour was not the best.
Say Sorry For The Bad Behavior
After accepting that your behaviour was not right, you will then need to express your apology by articulating that you are remorseful for what happened. Make sure that the manner in which you say you are sorry will make the person you are apologizing to connect with the apology and get convinced that your apology is genuine.
Point Out Action Taken To Avoid Bad Behaviour In The Future
After you have apologized, you need to detail measures and actions that you have taken in order to make sure that you won’t repeat the bad behaviour again. For example, if you were rude to a customer, you can state you have decided that before you reply to a customer, you have to always reflect and make sure that your reply will not be offensive.
In addition, if you believe you need help in order to make sure that you won’t repeat the bad behaviour again, ensure that you detail the measures taken to get that help.
For example, you can state that you have reached out to a counsellor to help you in anger management, or state that you are reading books on anger management and the books have been helpful so far.
All in all, you need to make sure that your apology letter is convincing, and sounds genuine so that the person you are apologizing to accepts your apology. Otherwise, if you cannot be able to convince the person to accept your apology, then there is no need for the apology.
How To End An Apology Letter?
The end of an apology letter is very important since it determines whether your apology will be accepted or whether the apology will not be accepted.
When writing the end of an apology, you have to make sure that you place a lot of emphasis on the apology offered so that the person you are apologizing to will be convinced that the apology is genuine. Here are different ways you can end your apology letter.
Once again, I apologize for my conduct and I promise that such conduct will not happen again.
I am ready to meet you at your earliest convenience and personally express my apology as I feel that my apology is limited in this letter.
It is my sincere hope that you will forgive me for my misconduct and that we will continue working together for a long time.
Here are few samples of letters of apology for bad behaviour. You are free to use the samples to guide you when writing a letter of apology for misconduct.
Sample 1: Letter Of Apology For Bad Behaviour To Parents
Dear Dad /Mom
I am writing this letter to express my sincere apology for my bad behaviour last week, Wednesday. I have reflected on the whole incident, and realized that I was wrong and nothing justifies my bad behavior.
On Wednesday, I had a bad day at school as I received my result. As you already know, last semester was challenging to me to the extent that I even considered quitting studies. After discussing the issue with you, you assured me of your support as my parents and I did anything possible to make sure that I succeeded in my studies.
Unfortunately, when the results were released on Wednesday, I only managed to pass three modules and failed one. This made me feel useless after I failed since I believed I had done my level best. As I came home and you asked me to go to the supermarket, I did not see the need for that hence the reason I told you that I will not go.
I have reflected on the whole issue, and I can assure you that I now understand my behaviour was totally wrong. You are my parents, and have sacrificed a lot for me. I really feel sorry for my behaviour since as your daughter, I should not be rude to you. I hope that you are going to accept my apology.
I have already resolved that I will never argue with you, and I can assure you that I will gladly do anything that you want me to do from now henceforth. Indeed, your wish will be my command. Without your love and care, I am nobody.
I sincerely hope that you will accept my apology and unconditionally forgive me for my bad behaviour. I appreciate all that you have done for me over the years and do not take it for granted. I promise that I will never behave in a bad manner to you going forward.
Accept my sincere apology.
With lots of love
Jennie – You loving daughter.
Sample 2 : Apology Letter For Bad Behaviour In School
To Principal / Lecturer
Ref : Apology letter for my misconduct
I am sincerely sorry for my misconduct at school. As I reflect on the incident, I still cannot understand what went through my mind that a simple disagreement which ensued from discussions in the class resulted to a fight between myself and my classmate. I am extremely remorseful for my actions, and ashamed that I behaved in unprofessional manner.
In order to make sure that such an incidence will never happen again, I have taken various measures to ensure that I control my anger. Specifically, when I find myself in situations where I get angry, I have resolved to take time-outs instead of acting without thinking, and only thinking later after acting. In addition, I will now always think before I speak so that anything that I speak will not be offensive.
I unreservedly apologize for my action and I hope that you will accept my apologies.
Kind Regards
James Michael
Sample 3 : Apology Letter For Bad Behaviour At Work Place
Date : Friday, January 14, 2022
Dear Irene (Name of Boss)
I am writing this letter to sincerely apologize for by bad behaviour during the product demonstration session earlier today. I have had time to reflect on the whole incident, and I deeply regret my actions as well as the unprofessional manner that I depicted about the company as a whole.
As a Senior Sales Representative of the company, I know I am expected to lead by example and should never be rude to customers irrespective of what they do or say to us. I feel embarrassed by what I did and should never do that again. I have encountered challenging situations in the past and I have been able to address those situations through self-control.
However, I have recently experienced a lot of pressure and anxiety as we are not able to close many deals like in the past mainly due to the increased number of unexperienced sales people in the team. That should however not justify my misconduct. I have thoroughly reflected on the issue and I can promise you that you will never hear another misconduct incident from me.
Kindly accept my apology and forgive me for my unprofessional conduct. I am fully committed to the company and look forward to playing a key role in the success of the company.
I remain waiting for a positive reply from you. Should you have any questions about this apology letter or me, please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely
Jane Stewart
