The concept of an effective apology can be summarized by the acronym ARC, which stands for Acknowledge, Responsibility, and Can I do something about it.
- Acknowledge (A): The first step is to recognize and admit that you have hurt someone’s feelings. Acknowledge the situation and the need for a sincere apology.
- Responsibility (R): The second part involves taking ownership of the hurt you caused. It’s about owning up to your actions and expressing that you understand the impact of your mistake.
- Can I do something about it (C): The final element is about offering a way forward. It’s about asking what you can do to repair the damage or make the person feel better, demonstrating your willingness to make amends and move toward resolution.
To deliver a sincere apology, it’s essential to pause, reflect, and incorporate these three elements before offering an apology. Simply saying “I’m sorry” isn’t enough; it requires thoughtful preparatio