The need to make an apology can arise in business. The apology may be directed at employees, customers, and outsourcing partners, bosses, co-workers, business partners, suppliers, or any other person concerned. It’s important to handle conflicts carefully in business so that you do not tarnish your business reputation or ruin a promising career. Keep reading to learn more.

Here are actionable steps to take in making business apologies;

Step #1: Acknowledge the Issue

You cannot apologize when there’s no problem or issue. So, be sensitive to know when there‘s an offense to a customer, boss, business partner, or employees. You should recognize and spell out a problem. When you talk about the problem, be specific and clear so that the other person will know that you didn’t keep a closer eye over the issue.

Step #2: Use the Right Words when you make Apologies

Use the magical words “I am sorry” when you make your apology. This shows that you admit your fault in the problem, which is something the other party will surely value. When you say “I truly regret my action”, it becomes clear to the other party that you are taking responsibility for what happened. Instead of looking for a way to apportion blame, you should go straight and admit your fault.

Step #3: Give Some Explanation

It’s also helpful to make the other person understand what led to your action. However, be careful not to sound as though you are not accepting your fault. Also, your explanation should show that you will avoid making such a mistake in the future. You should bear in mind that you must tender your apology first before explaining how it happened. This will make it obvious that you are not apportioning blame or exonerating yourself.

Step #4: Promise to Resolve the Problem

While it is good saying you are sorry about the incident, you also need to promise and professional solution for the problem. This will help keep up the good professional relationship you have with the other party. You should work out how you will fix the problem.

For instance, if it is a case of late delivery of a customer’s order, you may want to offer a form of compensation in terms of a discount, freebie, or a promise of earlier delivery in subsequent order.

Step #5: Ensure the Apology is Appropriate

It’s important to say that you don’t have to apologize if it is not your fault or the fault of the company you represent. However, you should use phrases or take actions that show you are concerned about what happened. But, don’t own up or promise to take responsibility if it is no fault of yours. In this case, you can use words such as, “It’s a pity that this happened, let me know how I may be of help”.

So, the next time you want to tender apologies in business, you can adopt these steps.

Daven Michaels is a New York Times Best Selling Author and CEO of premiere global outsourcing company, 123Employee. The company employs hundreds of young bright individuals on three continents. His International event, Beyond Marketing Live! Inspires entrepreneurs to build & grow their business with revolutionary new theories and systems allowing them to design the business and personal lifestyle of their dreams.