Don’t Offer Insincere Apologies — Ever.
Have you ever experienced someone apologizing while doing the very thing they are apologizing for?
For example: “I apologize in advance…”.
Is an email apology sincere if you are doing something you know could be a problem, but you’re doing it anyway — with your apology in advance?
“I’m sorry but…”
This little rant was prompted by someone sending 8 Gigs of attachments while saying, “I apologize if this fills up your inbox…” 8 Gigs? 8 Gigs!
They knew it could be an issue. But did so anyway — with an apology. So everything is okay.
Not so much.
By communicating in this matter, this person made it clear that they had no concern whatsoever about filling up my inbox, using up my data allowance, or any possible inconvenience that would cause. 8 Gigs!
Their apology was moot and insincere.
That smacks of “I’m going to do it anyway regardless because that’s what I want to do, but I’ll apologize just in case it causes an issue, or you get upset.”
So what’s up with that?
Only thinking of yourself.
The fact is, when it comes to email, there are at least two parties involved.
With proper technology use, there seems to be a wide array of opinions on what is appropriate, correct, or just a matter of courtesy. Primarily based on what folks are willing to do or not.
Unfortunately, some feel Email Etiquette and proper technology use do not matter. They then assume, albeit incorrectly, that they can safely disregard these topics.
Well, just like anything in life, we make choices. It is a choice to use technology appropriately and to use technology with courtesy. What do you think it says about you to ignore proper use and courtesy because you make the conscious decision to do so?
A Word of Advice
If you want your apologies to be taken seriously, don’t apologize while you proceed to do the very thing you are apologizing for! Courtesy never goes out of style and cannot be perceived as being there as you apologize while showing no concern for the person on the other side.
You’ll look like the self-centered person you are, and your apology will fall on deaf ears.
There are guidelines and considerations for a reason. This is why my tagline resonates:
At least to me and the thousands of site visitors who let me know they feel the same way. Thank you for your patience with this rant — I feel much better.
