When a person or an organization makes a mistake, it’s very important for them to apologize and express remorse immediately. Unfortunately many times the apology comes late or does not come at all.
Many people can forgive a person or an organization when they make a mistake, especially if they don’t have a reputation for making them. However, the public generally can’t stand when there’s a lack of contrition or humility and will be quick to turn on a person or an organization.
We have seen this occur in two recent situations–first with Michigan men’s basketball head coach Juan Howard and this week with actor Will Smith. In both cases, Howard and Smith hit another individual, and then when given the opportunity to immediately apologize to that individual, they did not.
In his post-game press conference, Howard said, “Someone touched me, and I think it was very uncalled for, for them to touch me, as we were verbalizing and communicating with one another. That’s what escalated it.” The next day, after receiving a $49,000 fine and a suspension, he issued a statement that said, “After taking time to reflect on all that happened, I realize how unacceptable both my actions and words were, and how they affected so many. I am truly sorry.”
In the interim, the media reminded the public that Howard previously got into a shouting match against Maryland’s coach last year, and some people called for Howard’s termination.
In his acceptance of the best actor award, Smith said, “Richard Williams was a fierce defender of his family … I am overwhelmed by what God is calling on me to do and be in this world.” It was not until the next day that he issued a statement that said, “I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong.”
In the interim, the media discussed how Smith should be punished, and many individuals criticized him. Despite Will Smith having a fairly sterling reputation, this incident will be sure to damage his brand.
Howard and Smith should have apologized immediately. Instead, both neglected the opportunity to do so. In my opinion, the next-day statements they issued did not seem genuine; rather, Howard and Smith seemed like they were pressured to apologize when they should have wanted to apologize. Consequently, those statements didn’t help as much as an immediate apology would have, but at least they apologized at all.
Photo of Juwan Howard by All-Pro Reels. Photo of Will Smith by depositphotos.