Stop Saying 'Sorry' at Work: What to Say Instead
Are you constantly saying “sorry” at work even when you haven’t done anything wrong? You apologize for speaking up in meetings, for sending a second email, or for simply existing in someone’s path. What feels like being polite or humble might actually be undermining your authority, confidence, and even career growth. Today, we’re digging into why over-apologizing happens (especially for women and people socialized to keep the peace), what the research says, and exactly what to say instead so you sound confident and kind, not cold or arrogant. Chapters Introduction Why Over-Apologizing Happens: It’s Not Just a Personality Quirk The Hidden Cost of All Those “Sorrys” 5 Steps to Break the “Sorry” Habit Without Seeming Cold or Rude Step 1: Track and Reflect Step 2: Swap “Sorry” with Assertive Alternatives Step 3: Pause and Breathe Step 4: Practice Assertive Communication Scripts Step 5: Know When an Apology Is Actually Needed ❤️ Don’t forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE! 👉 Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/why-you-apolo... 👉 Download The Apology Detox Toolkit: 10 Phrases to Use Instead of ‘Sorry’ at Work: https://abbymedcalf.com/apology-detox... Join my online community, One Love Collective, on Substack: https://abbymedcalf.com/substack. You'll get... ✨ Early drops + ad-free podcast episodes ✨ Worksheets, journal prompts, downloads, and guided visualizations ✨ Community chats and live Q&A calls with Abby Resources for Why You Apologize Too Much at Work and What to Do Instead The Five Ways Imposter Syndrome is Hurting All Your Relationships • 5 Ways Imposter Syndrome is Hurting All Yo... How to be an Assertive and Effective Communicator • How to Be an Assertive and Effective Commu... Mindfulness Starter Kit https://abbymedcalf.com/product/mindf... Schumann, K., & Ross, M. (2010). Why Women Apologize More Than Men. Psychological Science. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797610384150 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1... Walfisch, T., Dijk, D. V., & Kark, R. (2013). Do you really expect me to apologize? The impact of status and gender on the effectiveness of an apology in the workplace. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 43(7), 1446-1458. https://doi.org/10.1111/jasp.12101 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/a... Rudman, L. A., & Glick, P. (2001). Prescriptive Gender Stereotypes and Backlash Toward Agentic Women. Journal of Social Issues, 57(4), 743-762. https://doi.org/10.1111/0022-4537.00239 https://spssi.onlinelibrary.wiley.com... Clance, P. R., & Imes, S. A. (1978). The imposter phenomenon in high achieving women: Dynamics and therapeutic intervention. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice, 15(3), 241–247. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0086006 https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?do... See the full list at https://abbymedcalf.com/why-you-apolo... Subscribe to the Love Letter and get my little messages each week! https://abbymedcalf.com/loveletter-op... 👉 Pick up a copy of my new book, Boundaries Made Easy: Your Roadmap to Connection, Easy and Joy: https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries 👉 Pick up The Workbook: Boundaries Made Easier to use as a companion to the book or as a standalone masterclass: https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries-wo... 👉 Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book ____________________________ Looking for past episodes of the Relationships Made Easy Podcast? Head over to https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast-the-a... where you’ll find past episodes. Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my online courses (some are FREE!) or grab a workbook: https://abbymedcalf.com/shop A great idea to stay motivated and keep your head in a positive direction is to buy some of my fabulous, inspirational merchandise. Get yourself a t-shirt, mug, tote bag or notebook with that daily reminder that you’ve got this! https://abbymedcalf.com/shop Say hello on social: Substack: https://substack.com/@abbymedcalfphd Instagram: / abbymedcalfthriving LinkedIn: / abbymedcalfthriving YouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube #OverApologizing #CommunicationSkills #WorkplaceConfidence #AssertiveCommunication #PeoplePleasing #WomenInTheWorkplace #ImposterSyndrome #LeadershipSkills #EmotionalIntelligence #AbbyMedcalf
