When Leaders Should (and Shouldn't) Apologize at Work

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By Hallie Crawford

"Sorry, can I borrow you for a moment?"

"Sorry, this project summary is missing Page 13."

"Sorry, could you please speak up?"

If you pay attention to how often you say "I'm sorry" at work, you may realize you say it a lot. This is particularly likely if you are in a management position dealing with many employees, and you are trying to not be overbearing or too demanding. Studies have shown that women tend to apologize more often than men as a way of becoming more likable. Many of us probably remember Pantene's "not sorry" ad campaign to help women become aware of needless apologizing.