Stuff happens. If we did something to harm or offend someone, apologizing is always in order. Sometimes saying I’m sorry is appropriate, but sometimes it just doesn’t do the job.

So i went down to explore on the Web to find out the alternative ways of saying "sorry" and i found this very interesting article written by Tory Paez.

where it gives examples of when saying sorry is polite and correct as well as examples where a different word or phrase is much more appropriate.

To demonstrate compassion and empathy.

Many people, not just women, use “sorry” as shorthand for sympathy. While it’s both virtuous and smart to express compassion for your coworkers, apologizing for the random happenings of the universe is unnecessary and avoidable.

There are other ways to demonstrate understanding and to establish trusting relationships with colleagues. Arguably, this is one of the easiest ways to remove “sorry” from our vocabulary, because there are so many great alternatives!

Instead of: “I’m sorry you were late because of terrible New York City traffic.”

Try: “How frustrating that you were late because of that awful traffic.”

To fill air

Just like words such as “um,” “uh,” and “like,” “sorry” can fill empty conversational space. It might be because we are nervous or just babbling while our mouths catch up with our brains. Either way, in these cases, “sorry” loses its meaning entirely.

Instead of: “We need to ... sorry ... first, get the correct data from Finance.”

Try: “We need to < Pause | Silence >, first, get the correct data from Finance.”

To interrupt

Most girls are raised to be unfailingly polite at all times, especially at work. For this substitute to work, it is crucial to know your environment.

Depending on the organizational culture, the type of meeting you’re in, and the other individuals present, interrupting with an apology can lower your status, especially when others aren’t doing the same. Listen to how your coworkers preface their contributions in meetings — and avoid saying “sorry” unless they do.

Instead of: “I’m sorry to interrupt ...”

Try: “Let me say/ask this...” OR “Great points, I would like to add ...”

Instead of: “Sorry, do you have a minute?

Try: “Excuse/Pardon me...”

To keep the peace

Most women are also taught from an early age to be warm, nurturing, and agreeable, and we sometimes use “sorry” simply to maintain social harmony. Apologies are sometimes employed to help “reset the conversation” after a confrontational, argumentative, or uncomfortable moment. However, “sorry” also represents shame and regret and can make you look weak.

Instead of: “I’m sorry, but I don’t understand this strategy switch.”

Try: “I appreciate your work on this, but I don’t understand the reasoning behind this strategy switch.”

Instead of: “I’m sorry if this is offensive...”

Try: “What I am about to say might be controversial...”

To say, and actually mean, sorry

There are plenty of times when it’s appropriate to apologize at work. The key is not only to say “sorry,” but also to express why you are sorry. If you are a chronic over-apologizer, I guarantee that training yourself to include a reason will cut down on the number of times you apologize unnecessarily. A sincere apology is more effective coupled with the reason behind it.

Especially at work, it’s smart to figure out when it’s appropriate to say “I’m sorry” — and when you should say something else instead.

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Dmartinez

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