The goal is towards a productive outcome. The following templates focus on accountability and remediation.
The Employee / Co-Worker Template:
“I realize that [Specific Action/Mistake] has caused [Impact on You/Project]. To resolve this, I am [Immediate Action Step] and will have it to you by [Time/Date].”
Name of Person / Date/Issue Topic
How to Pair Your Responses with Their Apologies
| If the Employee Says… | You can respond with… |
| “I realize missing the 9 AM deadline delayed your review and I’m working to resolve my scheduling conflict. | “Thanks for acknowledging the delay. Since we’re on a deadline, I’ll look for the update by the time you specified and if you need assistance with your scheduling conflict, please let me know.” |
| “I see the error in the spreadsheet; it’s made the data look inconsistent.” | “I appreciate you catching the data error. Now that we’re back on track, let’s focus on adding that to your role.” |
| “I’m adjusting my process to ensure this oversight doesn’t happen again.” | “I appreciate you changing your work method. Could we briefly walk through what caused the slip-up and the change in process?” |