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How
To Handle The Blame Game
By Dennis Sommer (www.dennissommer.com)
Everybody makes mistakes. The difference between managers
and leaders is that leaders apologize and learn from the
mistake, while managers try to either cover up the error
or pin the blame for it on someone else. As an executive,
you must learn to apologize, whether it's to an employee,
a customer, or your boss. The following are three actions
that will get you through this every time.
1.
Be Specific
Vague apologies and empty cliches are often worse than
no apology at all. Another poor choice is to "sort
of apologize" for your behavior and then try to shift
the blame to someone else. Accept responsibility for what
happened, and don't use the apology as a chance to make
excuses.
2. Correct
The Problem
Very rarely is there a problem that can't be corrected.
If you are taking the necessary steps toward fixing the
problem, you will defuse the other person's anger and
give credibility to your apology. An apology with no plan
to correct the mistake is an empty gesture and people
will see it for what it is.
3.
Neutral Ground
Once you have corrected the problem and apologized, there's
no need to beat a dead horse. You need to reestablish
a rapport with whomever you have offended. Before you
apologize, have a topic in mind that you can switch to
once the apology is over.
About The Author
- Dennis Sommer
Dennis Sommer
is the founder and CEO of Executive Business Advisers,
a management consulting firm specializing in business
growth, sales and profit improvement. www.executivebusinessadvisers.com
Dennis helps companies increase sales revenue, reduce
sales and marketing costs, improve marketing ROI, and
drive new business growth by improving and optimizing
their sales, marketing, company strategy and financial
health.
Dennis is a highly sought after business keynote and seminar
speaker www.dennissommer.com
and author of several highly popular sales, marketing,
leadership and professional development international
articles and books www.advisersecrets.com
.
Contact Dennis at 800-627-6512.
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