We are all in situations sometimes where despite our best
efforts we become aggressive and disrespectful of someone else. When this happens, sometimes apologizing can
make a tremendous difference.
Earlier in the year I was in Cleveland for a speaking
engagement. The return trip to Milwaukee
was horrible! My flight from Cleveland
to Chicago was delayed because of weather in Chicago. When I finally arrived in Chicago, I found that
my flight to Milwaukee was also delayed.
Later it was delayed again. And
again. At one point the gate attendant announced
that, although the flight was not canceled, if anyone wanted to reschedule for
the next day, they could. At some point
after that, she announced that anyone that wanted to take the last bus from
Chicago to Milwaukee could trade their flight ticket in for bus ticket, even
though the flight was not cancelled, just delayed.
Like everyone else, I went up to the desk to try to find out
if the plane was ever going to leave or not.
I was very frustrated with the situation, and started snapping at
her. I caught myself, took a deep
breath, and apologized. “I am
sorry. None of this is your fault. It is out of your control. You are trying your best. Being frustrated is no excuse to take it out
on you. I’m sorry.”
Not only was she very gracious about it, but she helped me
so much later! I finally decided to take
a limo back to Milwaukee. She very
patiently explained what would happen with my luggage, where to find the limos,
and what to do. She was extremely nice. I doubt very much that would have been the
case had I not apologized.
When we do something wrong, sometimes the best we can do is
apologize.
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