10/27/2023

What to Say Instead of ‘I’m Sorry’

Redirect apologetic responses to make them more productive

Researchers have found that women apologize significantly more than men, and I believe women apologize too often. Many of us apologize out of habit, but unfortunately it hurts how we are perceived and diminishes our power. How many times do women say “sorry” as a default response, whether or not they’ve done anything wrong?

I am an entrepreneur and a former consultant at McKinsey & Co., and in conducting both qualitative and quantitative research I have observed three types of apologies that women fall into when we find ourselves in uncomfortable situations. I have also found that there are ways to redirect apologetic responses to make them more productive.

Here are the kinds of apologies women often offer—and what to say instead.

Please select this link to read the complete article from Fast Company.