Give a Meaningful Apology

Did you snap at a colleague who didn't get her work done? Or did you miss an important deadline, messing up a coworker's project timeline? When your mistake affects someone else, here's how to make amends:

• Admit that you were wrong.
  Own up to what you did — or failed to do.
  
• Show you understand the repercussions.
  Don't assume you know what your coworker feels or thinks, but acknowledge that you know you've negatively affected him.
  
• Tell her what you will do differently.
  Reassure her that you won't behave the same way in the future. Be specific about what you will change.