250+ Best Ways To Respond When A “Boss Says Sorry”

There’s something undeniably powerful about a moment when your boss says sorry. It doesn’t happen every day, and when it does, it can feel surprising, confusing, and even a bit emotional. Whether it’s an apology over a miscommunication, an oversight, or a moment of poor judgment, hearing those words from someone in a leadership position shifts the dynamic.

A workplace typically has a built-in hierarchy. Bosses give instructions, delegate work, and make the final calls. That’s why it can feel so profound when the balance is disrupted and your boss admits fault. This is not just about good manners. It’s about humility, accountability, and emotional intelligence. But just as important as the apology itself is how you respond to it.

This guide walks you through how to handle the moment gracefully, respectfully, and with an approach that keeps your professional relationship strong and healthy. Whether you’re surprised, grateful, confused, or even skeptical when a boss says sorry, this article will help you find the right words and reactions for every situation.

250+ Ways To Respond When A “Boss Says Sorry”

Gracious Acceptance

1. Thank you for saying that. I really appreciate it.
   
2. That means a lot coming from you.
   
3. I completely understand, and I appreciate your honesty.
   
4. I respect you even more for taking responsibility.
   
5. I genuinely appreciate the apology  thank you.
   
6. Thanks for acknowledging that, it shows a lot of character.
   
7. It’s okay, and I’m glad we can move past it.
   
8. I value that you said that  it really helps.
   
9. Thanks for being upfront about it.
   
10. Apology accepted, and I’m glad we’re on the same page.
    

Professional Courtesy

1. Noted, and I appreciate the clarity.
   
2. Thanks for addressing it professionally.
   
3. I acknowledge your apology, and we can move forward.
   
4. Understood. Let’s continue with the project.
   
5. I appreciate the follow-up and your transparency.
   
6. That’s understood  I’ll adjust accordingly.
   
7. Thank you for the update and clarification.
   
8. I recognize that  let’s reset expectations.
   
9. That’s fair  thanks for taking a moment to say that.
   
10. Let’s focus on what’s next and align from here.
    

Empathetic Understanding

1. I know things can get overwhelming  it’s okay.
   
2. We all have off days. I totally understand.
   
3. I appreciate you being human about it.
   
4. That couldn’t have been easy to say  thank you.
   
5. I’ve definitely made mistakes too, so no hard feelings.
   
6. It’s alright, we’re all figuring things out.
   
7. I can imagine that was a tough spot  no worries.
   
8. Thanks for leveling with me. I appreciate that.
   
9. I understand where you were coming from now.
   
10. I get it. That moment was tough for both of us.
    

Supportive Collaboration

1. Let’s work together to make sure it goes smoother next time.
   
2. I’m glad we’re able to talk about this openly.
   
3. Thanks for being transparent  it makes teamwork stronger.
   
4. I’m here to help where I can, so let’s move forward.
   
5. Let’s use this as a chance to grow.
   
6. We’ll bounce back better from this.
   
7. I appreciate the honesty  it builds trust.
   
8. Let’s reset and build on this.
   
9. I’m confident we can align better now.
   
10. We’ve got this. Thanks for clearing the air.
    

Casual/Lighthearted

1. No big deal  we’ve all been there.
   
2. You’re human, just like the rest of us!
   
3. That’s alright  I won’t hold it against you.
   
4. You’re good  I’ve already forgotten about it.
   
5. It’s fine  just buy me coffee and we’ll call it even!
   
6. I was waiting for an apology like this all day!
   
7. Don’t worry  I’ll let it slide this time.
   
8. All is forgiven… for now.
   
9. That was surprisingly heartfelt for a Monday!
   
10. No hard feelings  let’s just laugh about it later.
    

Respectful Boundaries

1. Thank you, I needed to hear that.
   
2. I appreciate the apology  it was important to me.
   
3. I’m still processing it, but I respect that you said something.
   
4. That helps, and I’ll need a little space to move on from it.
   
5. I appreciate it, but I’d prefer we don’t revisit that again.
   
6. Thanks  I’d like to keep communication clearer going forward.
   
7. I’m glad you acknowledged it  I just ask we’re mindful next time.
   
8. I accept your apology, and I’ll be more cautious too.
   
9. I hear you, and I’ll respond better with clearer boundaries.
   
10. That was important  thank you for being respectful about it.
    

Direct Honesty

1. I appreciate the apology, and to be honest, it did affect me.
   
2. I accept it, but I also hope it’s not a recurring pattern.
   
3. Thank you, and I hope we can both stay accountable.
   
4. That took a lot  I needed to hear it directly like this.
   
5. I respect that you owned it  it really threw me off in the moment.
   
6. That helps, but I’d like us to have a more honest conversation soon.
   
7. I hear you, but we need to fix the root of it.
   
8. I’m open to moving forward, but we have to address what happened.
   
9. I want to believe this won’t happen again.
   
10. I appreciate your words  now let’s follow up with action.
    

Constructive Feedback

1. Thanks for the apology  I think we could improve how we handle those moments.
   
2. I appreciate that. Maybe next time we can talk about it earlier.
   
3. That helps  can we work on clearer communication going forward?
   
4. I think there’s a better process we can agree on.
   
5. I understand, and I’d like to suggest something for next time.
   
6. Thanks, and maybe we can do a quick debrief later to unpack it.
   
7. That’s appreciated  I think it opens the door to some improvements.
   
8. I’m glad you said that  here’s what I think we could tweak.
   
9. I appreciate the honesty. How can we make sure this doesn’t repeat?
   
10. Thanks  let’s make this a learning moment for both of us.
    

Mutual Accountability

1. I appreciate your apology  and I recognize my own role too.
   
2. That means a lot. I’ll also reflect on how I contributed.
   
3. Let’s both hold ourselves to a better standard.
   
4. Thanks for your part  I want to own mine too.
   
5. I hear you, and I want to be better in how I show up as well.
   
6. We both had some tension there  let’s learn from it.
   
7. I appreciate that, and I’ll meet you halfway.
   
8. Let’s keep each other in check so this doesn’t repeat.
   
9. I’m with you  let’s both stay accountable from here.
   
10. Your apology helps  I’ll also improve my part of the equation.

Emotional Vulnerability

1. That honestly hit me harder than I expected, so thank you for saying something.
   
2. I’ve been holding onto that moment more than I realized.
   
3. Your apology actually helps me process it more than you probably know.
   
4. That moment left me feeling pretty unsettled, so I appreciate the closure.
   
5. I didn’t realize how much I needed to hear that.
   
6. It caught me off guard emotionally, and I’m still unpacking it a bit.
   
7. I appreciate your apology  it helps me feel seen.
   
8. I’ve been trying to understand where I stood after that happened.
   
9. That whole situation had me second-guessing myself, so thank you.
   
10. It’s been weighing on me, so I’m glad we’re talking about it.
    

Conflict Resolution Focused

1. Thank you  let’s work toward a better way of resolving these things.
   
2. I appreciate that, and I’d like us to clarify how to avoid this in the future.
   
3. Let’s make sure we both walk away from this with something learned.
   
4. I think it’s important we get back on the same page.
   
5. This gives us a good chance to reset the tone moving forward.
   
6. Let’s take this as an opportunity to fix how we communicate under pressure.
   
7. Thanks for bringing that up  it opens the door to better handling future situations.
   
8. I’m glad we’re addressing it head-on instead of letting it linger.
   
9. I hope we can use this as a baseline for future disagreements.
   
10. I think this puts us in a better place to handle conflicts going forward.
    

Team-Oriented

1. Your apology shows great leadership  it sets the tone for the whole team.
   
2. I appreciate that, and I think it’s helpful for team morale too.
   
3. This kind of accountability builds stronger collaboration.
   
4. Thank you  this helps us function better as a unit.
   
5. Let’s use this to reinforce a healthier team culture.
   
6. I think this sets a good example for how we can all handle tough moments.
   
7. It means a lot to see leadership be transparent  it inspires the rest of us.
   
8. Owning that helps everyone feel more safe and respected here.
   
9. This opens up space for more honest team dialogue.
   
10. I think we’re all stronger when we own our part  thanks for leading with that.
    

Forgiveness-Centered

1. I forgive you  it means a lot that you said something.
   
2. I appreciate your words, and I’m letting it go.
   
3. It’s okay  we’re good now.
   
4. I’ve moved on from it, and I’m glad you addressed it.
   
5. That takes courage, and I want you to know there are no hard feelings.
   
6. I’m choosing to let it go and not hold it against you.
   
7. It’s forgiven  we all have moments we wish we could take back.
   
8. We’re human  I’m not carrying it with me anymore.
   
9. I’ve made peace with it, and your apology confirms that.
   
10. I’ve already decided to let it go, but thank you for saying that.
    

Future-Focused

1. Thank you  let’s move forward with that in mind.
   
2. That helps us clear the air and look ahead.
   
3. Let’s use this moment to do better going forward.
   
4. I appreciate it  now let’s focus on the next step.
   
5. Apology accepted, and I’m ready to move on productively.
   
6. It’s a fresh start from here  I’m in.
   
7. Let’s make sure we handle things differently next time.
   
8. I think this clears the way for a better working rhythm.
   
9. Thanks for addressing it  I’m looking ahead now.
   
10. That matters, and now we can shift toward solutions.
    

Gratitude-Based

1. Thanks so much for acknowledging that  I really appreciate it.
   
2. I’m grateful that you took time to say something.
   
3. I appreciate your honesty and the effort behind it.
   
4. That apology shows real integrity  thank you.
   
5. I’m thankful for your openness and reflection.
   
6. That means a lot to me  I truly appreciate it.
   
7. I value your accountability, and I’m grateful you owned it.
   
8. Thank you for not brushing it off  that matters.
   
9. I’m glad to see this kind of leadership  thank you.
   
10. I genuinely appreciate your willingness to apologize.
    

Assertive Response

1. Thanks for apologizing  I expect better communication next time.
   
2. I hear your apology, and I want to make sure it doesn’t repeat.
   
3. I accept that, and I need us to respect those boundaries moving forward.
   
4. I appreciate the gesture, but the impact still needs to be addressed.
   
5. I’m glad you said that  now let’s be clear about expectations.
   
6. Apology noted  let’s be more mindful going forward.
   
7. I accept it, but I need to be sure we both take it seriously.
   
8. That’s a good start  now let’s make sure actions reflect it.
   
9. Thanks, and I want to make sure this is a learning moment.
   
10. I’m open to moving forward, but this can’t happen again.
    

Reinforcement of Expectations

1. I appreciate the apology  I trust we’ll both stick to better standards now.
   
2. That helps  and I’d like us to keep expectations clear going forward.
   
3. Thanks  let’s make sure we both commit to a higher level of respect.
   
4. This confirms that accountability matters to both of us.
   
5. I’m accepting this with the understanding we raise the bar.
   
6. I expect we’ll both be more intentional next time.
   
7. This moment sets a new expectation  thank you for owning it.
   
8. I think this shows we’re serious about respectful working relationships.
   
9. Let’s make this the exception, not the pattern.
   
10. I trust we’ll both act more consciously from here on.

Power Dynamics Acknowledgement

1. I appreciate you saying that, especially given the position you’re in.
   
2. That means a lot coming from someone in your role.
   
3. It’s not always easy for someone in leadership to admit fault, so thank you.
   
4. I respect you for addressing it directly  not everyone would.
   
5. It’s reassuring to know that leadership is willing to be accountable.
   
6. That kind of humility from someone in charge builds a lot of trust.
   
7. I know you didn’t have to say that, so I truly value it.
   
8. Your willingness to own that really helps balance the working relationship.
   
9. It’s encouraging to see the top lead by example.
   
10. You taking responsibility sets a powerful tone for the team.
    

Cultural Sensitivity Response

1. Thanks for recognizing that  it could have easily been overlooked.
   
2. I appreciate you acknowledging how that might have felt from my perspective.
   
3. That apology means a lot considering the cultural context.
   
4. I’m glad you were open to seeing how that could have landed differently for me.
   
5. I respect your effort to be more aware  thank you.
   
6. It’s important we all grow in this area, so I appreciate the ownership.
   
7. That shows a willingness to understand things beyond just policy.
   
8. I’m grateful that you took the time to reflect on how that may have come across.
   
9. Your awareness here goes a long way in creating an inclusive space.
   
10. Thank you for seeing the bigger picture  I respect that.
    

Humor-Based Response

1. Wow, an apology? Who are you and what have you done with my boss?
   
2. If I had a dollar for every apology like that, I’d have… well, one dollar.
   
3. This feels like a historic moment. Should I frame it?
   
4. Apology accepted  now back to ruling the office kingdom.
   
5. I’ll let this one slide, but only because you asked nicely.
   
6. Do I get a “Sorry from the Boss” coupon for this?
   
7. Okay, fine, I forgive you… but only because HR is watching.
   
8. Is this the part where I get a raise for emotional damages?
   
9. Alright, you’re forgiven. Just don’t expect a thank-you card.
   
10. You’ve earned half a brownie point. Full point if it doesn’t happen again.
    

Boundary Setting

1. Thanks for the apology  just want to be clear this can’t happen again.
   
2. I appreciate that, and I want to be upfront about how I need to be treated.
   
3. That means something to me, but I also need to reinforce my limits here.
   
4. Thanks  I just ask we both respect personal and professional space going forward.
   
5. I’m willing to move forward, but not at the cost of my comfort.
   
6. I accept the apology, and I’ll be keeping an eye on how things evolve.
   
7. Thanks, and I want to be transparent that this crossed a line for me.
   
8. That’s a good first step  now I need to make sure my boundaries are honored.
   
9. I appreciate the recognition, but I’ll be more assertive if it happens again.
   
10. I accept it, and I want to be very clear that those situations need to be avoided.
    

Reflection Encouraging

1. I appreciate your apology  what made you decide to bring it up?
   
2. Thanks  I’d be curious to hear how you felt about what happened.
   
3. That’s a good start. How are you thinking about handling this differently next time?
   
4. I’m glad you’re reflecting on it. What shifted for you?
   
5. I’m open to hearing more about what led to this realization.
   
6. I appreciate the thought  what did you take away from it?
   
7. This feels like a good moment to dig deeper, if you’re open to that.
   
8. Thanks  what are you hoping changes as a result?
   
9. It helps to hear this, and I’d love to understand your perspective more.
   
10. I think a conversation around what we both learned would be helpful.
    

Validation Seeking

1. Thank you  did you understand how that made me feel?
   
2. I appreciate that. Can I ask what part you feel responsible for?
   
3. I needed to hear that  do you see why it was hurtful?
   
4. I accept it, but I want to make sure you understand the impact.
   
5. Thanks  can we talk about how that affected me more directly?
   
6. I’m glad we’re having this conversation. Do you feel like you see where I’m coming from?
   
7. Thank you. Was there anything in my response that helped you realize it?
   
8. That apology helps  do you think we’re aligned on what went wrong?
   
9. I hear you, and I’d appreciate knowing how you plan to respond next time.
   
10. I’m okay moving forward  but did my concerns come across clearly?
    

Passive/Noncommittal

1. Okay, sure.
   
2. Alright, thanks.
   
3. Yeah, that’s fine.
   
4. It’s whatever.
   
5. Don’t worry about it.
   
6. I guess that’s settled then.
   
7. Sure thing.
   
8. Okay, let’s move on.
   
9. Got it.
   
10. It’s cool.
    

Silence/Non-Response

1. (Nods quietly)
   
2. (Brief eye contact, no verbal reply)
   
3. (Looks down, continues working)
   
4. (Changes subject)
   
5. (Pauses, then walks away)
   
6. (Acknowledges with a quick gesture)
   
7. (Maintains neutral facial expression)
   
8. (Leaves the message on read)
   
9. (Takes a breath but says nothing)
   
10. (Responds later without referencing the apology)

Understanding the Weight of an Apology from a Boss

• It’s Not Just Words, It’s a Leadership Signal

When someone in authority says “I’m sorry,” it sends a powerful message. They are stepping down from the pedestal of power, even if just for a moment, to acknowledge that they messed up. That takes guts. And it’s also a sign of maturity and leadership strength.

In many work cultures, people expect their bosses to lead without showing vulnerability. That expectation often leaves little room for apologies. So when a boss does offer one, it stands out in a good way. It shows that they are not hiding behind their title and that they value your professional relationship enough to mend what went wrong.

• What It Says About Your Boss

A boss who can apologize demonstrates a level of emotional intelligence that many leaders aspire to but don’t always show. It tells you that your boss sees the bigger picture, values collaboration, and is willing to own their mistakes instead of sweeping them under the rug.

It also shows that they see you not just as an employee but as a person whose feelings and experiences matter. That kind of mindset builds a more respectful and inclusive work environment.

Immediate Emotional Reactions And Why You Should Pause

• Don’t React Instantly

Your gut reaction might be to blurt out “It’s okay” or “No worries.” And that’s understandable. When someone apologizes, especially someone above you in the hierarchy, there’s often pressure to smooth things over quickly.

But it’s okay to pause. Take a moment. Breathe. Think about what your boss is actually saying. Sometimes, an apology comes with deeper implications or a subtle request for a new direction in your working relationship. A quick reply might miss that opportunity. Reflecting for just a few seconds gives you a better chance to respond with clarity and intention.

• Breathe and Assess the Tone

How your boss delivers the apology matters. Was it warm and sincere? Was it formal or awkward? Did they seem rushed, or did they take their time? Understanding the tone helps you decide how to mirror that energy. Responding in a way that matches the tone shows emotional intelligence and strengthens mutual respect.

If they were casual and brief, keep your reply light but professional. If the apology felt heartfelt, your response should reflect that authenticity.

Appropriate Ways to Respond When a Boss Says Sorry

• Acknowledge the Apology Graciously

You don’t have to go overboard with gratitude. A simple “Thank you, I appreciate that” is often all it takes. This lets your boss know their words mattered and were received in good faith.

You are not only acknowledging the apology itself, but also the courage it took to offer it. This is especially important if the situation caused you frustration or emotional discomfort. A gracious acknowledgment helps to bring closure and clarity.

• Mirror Professionalism in Your Tone

Responding with professionalism does not mean being stiff or robotic. It simply means being respectful and clear. If your boss approached you with humility, reply in a way that reflects your understanding of the workplace dynamic without making things uncomfortable.

For instance, if your boss says, “I want to apologize for being short with you in the meeting,” a response like “Thanks for saying that. I understand things get intense sometimes” is professional, human, and measured.

• Express Appreciation Without Overdoing It

Avoid turning a simple apology into a moment of praise. Saying “That was so brave of you” or “I’m really impressed by your honesty” might sound good in your head, but it could come off as patronizing. Keep your response balanced.

Try saying, “Thank you. That means a lot,” or “I appreciate the apology. I know things have been stressful.” This acknowledges their effort while keeping the conversation grounded.

• Be Honest But Tactful

If the situation that led to the apology affected you in a real way, it’s okay to acknowledge your experience. Just be careful not to let emotion override professionalism.

You might say, “I was feeling a little overlooked, so I really appreciate you saying that.” This kind of honesty, when delivered respectfully, helps your boss understand your perspective without creating defensiveness or tension.

Responding Based on the Context of the Apology

If It’s a Personal Mistake

If your boss interrupts you during a meeting, forgets to credit your work, or makes a poor comment in front of others, their apology is likely about restoring personal respect. You can be both gracious and supportive in your reply.

Examples of how to respond include:

• “Thanks, I appreciate you saying that.”
  
• “No problem, I know it wasn’t intentional.”
  
• “That means a lot. Thank you.”
  

These responses show you’re receptive without turning the moment into an emotional spectacle.

If It’s About a Team Mistake

Sometimes your boss might apologize for a communication breakdown, a chaotic rollout of a project, or a missed deadline that affected the team. In these moments, the apology is more about team dynamics and morale.

Respond with empathy and team-focused language:

• “I appreciate you addressing that. We’ve all been doing our best under pressure.”
  
• “It’s good to clear the air. Hopefully we can avoid that next time.”
  

These responses show unity, not blame.

If It’s for a Missed Opportunity

Apologies related to missed recognition, skipped promotions, or delayed feedback can be more delicate. This is where your response matters most, because emotions are often involved.

Reinforce your positive attitude and openness to growth:

• “Thanks for acknowledging that. I’m still excited about what’s ahead.”
  
• “I appreciate the apology. Let’s keep the lines of communication open.”
  

This communicates optimism without ignoring the impact of the oversight.

Situations Where It’s Okay to Ask for Clarification

• Don’t Assume Intent Ask Kindly

If your boss’s apology is vague or lacks context, don’t guess. It’s okay to ask for more detail. Try something like, “Just to make sure we’re on the same page, are you referring to yesterday’s client meeting?” This clarifies the moment and ensures you understand the intent behind the apology.

• When More Context Helps Everyone Move Forward

If you feel that clarification will help you or the team do better in the future, don’t shy away from it. Asking, “Can we talk more about what led to that? I’d love to learn from it,” shows maturity and engagement.

What Not to Do When a Boss Apologizes

• Don’t Dismiss It Casually

Brushing it off with an “It’s whatever” or “No big deal” might sound polite but can come across as indifferent or even disrespectful. It may also discourage your boss from being open with you in the future. Acknowledge the moment, even briefly.

• Avoid Sarcasm or Passive Aggression

You might feel tempted to say something like “Well, that’s a first” or “I thought I’d never hear that.” While sarcasm might be your way of coping, it can hurt the relationship. Keep things constructive.

• Don’t Use It as an Opportunity to Vent Excessively

If the issue that led to the apology is still bothering you, it’s okay to say so. But don’t hijack the moment to unload weeks of frustration. You can always schedule a follow-up meeting if more needs to be said.

How Your Response Reflects Your Professionalism

• Building Mutual Respect

The way you respond tells your boss whether you are someone who can handle conflict and resolution like a pro. Respecting their apology shows emotional intelligence and models the kind of culture every workplace needs more of.

• Leading Upward With Grace

You may not manage your boss, but you can lead up by demonstrating patience, maturity, and trustworthiness. Responding thoughtfully when a boss says sorry can quietly elevate your own influence in the workplace.

Turning the Moment Into a Positive Step Forward

• Use the Apology to Strengthen Communication

An apology from a boss can be the perfect opening to improve your communication moving forward. You can say, “Let’s keep having open conversations like this,” or “This really helps build trust.”

• Encourage a Culture of Openness

When you respond positively to a leader’s apology, it encourages similar openness throughout the organization. That kind of energy can be contagious. One respectful conversation can influence team morale in surprising ways.

Real-Life Example Responses You Can Use

Here are a few practical things you could say when your boss says sorry:

1. “Thank you. I appreciate you recognizing that.”
   
2. “I respect that a lot. Let’s move forward from here.”
   
3. “No worries. I’m glad we had this talk.”
   
4. “I know things have been hectic, and I appreciate you following up.”
   
5. “Thanks for the apology. I’m confident we’ll get things right moving ahead.”
   

How to Handle It If You Feel the Apology Isn’t Genuine

Red Flags to Look For

Sometimes an apology feels hollow. Maybe it’s vague, forced, or part of a pattern. If your boss keeps saying sorry but nothing changes, you might feel discouraged or manipulated.

Red flags include:

• No specific reference to the mistake
  
• Body language that contradicts the words
  
• A history of repeating the same issue
  

Still Respond with Tact

Even if the apology feels insincere, remain composed. You can say, “Thanks. I’d like to see how we can improve from here.” This keeps the conversation moving without creating conflict.

Navigating Apologies in Remote or Digital Workplaces

• Responding Over Email or Chat

Digital apologies lack tone and facial expressions. That makes your reply even more important. Use clear, kind language that removes ambiguity.

Good examples include:

• “Thanks for your message. I appreciate the note.”
  
• “Apology received. Looking forward to moving ahead.”

• Tone Matters More Than Ever

Be warm but professional. Use punctuation and wording to express sincerity. Avoid sounding cold or indifferent.

Conclusion

Navigating workplace dynamics with professionalism and grace can make a lasting impression. When your boss says sorry, it’s an opportunity to build mutual respect and show emotional intelligence through your response. Whether it’s a casual setting or a formal one, having the right words ready matters. We hope this extensive list helps you respond with tact and confidence in any situation. And if you’re looking to start your day on a positive and professional note, don’t miss our guide on 250+ Formal Ways To Say “Good Morning At Work” for even more workplace communication tips.

FAQs

Q. What if I feel awkward when my boss apologizes?

That’s totally normal. Apologies can feel emotionally loaded, especially when coming from someone in authority. Take a deep breath and respond with a short, sincere acknowledgment like “Thanks, I appreciate it.”

Q. Should I forgive even if I don’t feel it was sincere?

You don’t have to force forgiveness, but it’s always a good idea to maintain professionalism. You can acknowledge the apology while still setting boundaries or expectations for improvement.

Q. How do I handle repeated apologies without action?

If your boss keeps apologizing but nothing changes, it’s okay to gently say, “Thanks for the apology. I’d really like to talk about how we can make some adjustments moving forward.”

Q. Can I initiate feedback after receiving an apology?

Absolutely. An apology can open the door for productive dialogue. Try saying, “I appreciate you bringing that up. Would you be open to discussing how we might avoid similar situations?”

Q. What if the apology is public?

If the apology was made in front of others, respond respectfully but keep it brief. You can always follow up privately to express your thoughts more fully.

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