How to Apologize Without Losing Self Esteem

An apology is basically a presentation intended to justify or defend something or a situation. But frankly speaking, apologizing is a pretty difficult task to a couple of guys, especially if the person to whom the "am sorry " words is directed to is perceived to be more "inferior", or less significant. Anyway, it is good manners to apologize, doing so creates goodwill. If the right words are used, you can use such apologies to your advantage, while keeping your head high, and your esteem in place.

When you are at fault, you may build goodwill by admitting that fact immediately. Apologies present a special kind of negative scenarios, therefore it calls for slightly different rules.

Folks, if you assume the error is minimal or insignificant, no explicit apology is necessary. However, you have to apologize afterall, for the fact that the mistake has to be corrected.

DON'T SAY; I'm sorry the Accountant did not credit your account rightly.
BUT SAY; Your statement has been corrected to include your credit of $1875.23

When you have done everything in your power, but a problem persists due to circumstances beyond your control, you are not at fault and don't have to apologize. The rule here is to add an explanation so the other fellow knows you aren't negligent. If the situation is that bad, put the explanation first. However, if there is better information for the reader, present that before the explanation. Better to put him in a right frame of mind before dropping the bombshell.

DON'T SAY; I'm sorry I could not answer your querry sooner. I had to wait until sales figures for the year were in.
BUT SAY (Bad News); We needed sales figures for the year to roll in in order to answer your querry. Now that they are in, I can tell you that...
OR BETTER (Good News); The new advert campaign is a success, they show that... however, apologies for the delay.

If a delay or problem is long or huge, it is good attitude to ask whether the fellow wants to carry on with the original plan, or make alternative arrangements.

DON'T SAY; I'm sorry the supplies will not be ready by December 23rd as promised.
BUT SAY; Due to the current workers strike, the supplies may not be ready until January. Do you want to retain the order,or would you like to see other models from some manufacturers?

When apologizing, be prompt, brief and sincere. It is of utmost necessity to apologize only once, early in the message. Let your reader or hearer move on to more positive information. Even when a major catastrophe has evolved from your error, you don't actually need to narrate the negative outcome the reader already knows, omit it and instead focus on measures taken to reverse the situation. If you aren't aware of any inconveniences arising from your mistakes, never raise the issue in the first place.

DON'T SAY; I'm sorry I didn't release the funds as promised, I hope I didn't cause any inconveniences.
BUT SAY; I'm sorry I couldn't release the funds sooner than now.
These tips will definately help anyone who suffers from "apology phobia", or lack of apologetic manners.