Apologize Already

Leaders need to learn the art of apologizing and asking for forgiveness. People often leave leaders for losing respect and trust. Don’t be too quick to pin the blame on others. Learn how to take personal responsibility. Leaders make mistakes all the time, and when they do, they must be quick to repent to those whom they’ve offended.

Some leaders have been burned so many times that they refuse to apologize for fear it will empower others to take advantage of them. So, they refuse to see their part in the situation. It is not a leader’s job to get people to see what they did wrong. Only God can do that. Leaders must recognize where THEY went wrong and apologize.

I’m not suggesting we let people walk all over us. There is a time to stand up for ourselves. However, many times, conflicts can be quickly resolved when we try to see things from the other person’s perspective. Sometimes, simply saying, “I see where you’re coming from” can set the tone for mutual understanding and reconciliation.

When necessary, leaders need to humble themselves and say, “I am truly sorry. Please forgive me.” Never ruin an apology with an excuse. Completely own-up to your part. Pride-less apologizing shows great strength and can help earn people’s trust and respect. The goal of apologizing is not just to move on, rather it’s to move a HEART.

We must follow Jesus’ example. He sacrificed His rights to redeem sinful, rebellious, and resistant people to Himself. We must remember that it’s more important to be reconciled than to be right. The relationship is always the goal. Be careful not to burn your bridges too quickly. You may need to cross those bridges again someday.