Monday, February 11, 2013

Inappropriate Sorry

"Sorry" doesn't always seem to be the hardest word*. Sorry seems to be quite an overused word.

The word Sorry has it's place in society.  The word Sorry is used when something is regrettable, unfortunate, sympathetic or tragic.

I've seen young women or the "good girls" (& "good boys") use the word sorry - but use it in a seemingly inappropriate way.  It tends to be used incorrectly used by those who are unassertive or those who don't want to ruin someones train of thought or when things take a tangent.  It's generally the unassertive, passive female who wants to be liked & takes on an "observer" status. I've come across this on multiple occasions especially in a professional capacity working in HR.

Sorry doesn't have a place when you feel that you're an inconvenience in a paid or professional situation.  Sorry doesn't have a place when you have a deadline & you need someone to deliver a piece of work. Sorry doesn't have a place when you need your leave (annual or other) signed off.

It's something I have been aware of when I talk or interact with others. I used to be guilty of it myself.

I will not be sorry for things that I need to get the job done. I'll ask politely but I will not be sorry that you didn't adhere to the timeline.
I will not be sorry for doing the awkward side-step when you come face-to-face with a stranger in your path. I'll smile & (eventually) move out of their way.
I will not be sorry for accessing a work related entitlements such as being paid fairly or have my leave signed off. I will ask politely, provide the necessary proof & be reasonable in my time frame for when it can be rectified.



References:
* Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word - Elton John
www.dictionary.com
http://www.thegrindstone.com/2012/10/11/career-management/apologizing-at-work-bad-369/