The book offers six guidelines for effective apologies. Discuss four of these guidelines and then provide an example of an apology applying these guidelines

What will be an ideal response?

Students should discuss any four of the following guidelines:
Don't wait—It is important to make your apology in a timely fashion so that the receiver knows that you are sincerely concerned about the transgression.
Be genuine—Make your apology with sincerity and be truly sorry for your actions.
Identify what you did wrong—It is important to make clear exactly what you did so that the other party understands that you are aware of your transgression.
Don't offer justifications/excuses—As tempting as it is to explain your behavior, justifications place the blame on others or circumstances and reduce the effectiveness of you taking responsibility for your actions.
Explain how you will ensure that the injury does not occur again—You need to offer assurances that you will adjust future behavior so that you do not repeat hurtful behavior again.
Accept the other person's anger—Just because you are sorry does not mean that the other party is willing to accept your apology or forgive you. Allow the other person time to work through feelings at his/her pace.
A sample example of an apology:
Lynne, I am truly sorry that I forgot to pick you up on Friday after work. I know how important it was that I give you a ride home and that you were counting on me to pick you up. Next time I need to pick you up, I will make sure to write it down and to check with you the morning so that I do not forget. I know that you have every right to be angry with me. At this point, I can only say I am sorry and make changes so that I never do this again.