Sincere apologies are as important in the workplace as they are in the home. Significant losses—for businesses and individuals—are often the result of ineffective apologies. Indeed, the shortage of meaningful apologies may be the primary factor in the epidemic of fractured relationships so common today. The fact is, all of us hear and express words and gestures of apology in a unique language. This booklet introduces the five languages of apology and details proven techniques for giving and receiving effective apologies within the workplace. A special team-building tool at the back of the booklet will aid in group discussion and application.

Apologizing in the Workplace is excerpted from the book, The Five Languages of Apology, by Drs. Gary Chapman and Jennifer Thomas. Before collaborating on this book, Drs. Chapman and Thomas devoted three years to research, interviewing and surveying hundreds of people. The findings from this extensive study have informed the coaching and many anecdotes found in this resource booklet.