What industry do you work in and what is your role?
What are your responses in your role / position?
Can you describe to the function of your workplace / company?
How many departments, how many offices. National or International?
What are the minimum requirements for employment ie Education or Experience?
How many opportunities are there to ‘move up the ladder’?
What is the process for changing job roles ie Interview? Test?
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General discussion about your workweek:
Current projects? Deadlines? Opportunities?
Anything of interest happening?
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Article
1.
For many of us, saying “sorry,” especially when we’re not at fault, may simply be an involuntary reaction. It could be because of a genuine desire to be polite or perhaps it’s an aversion to any conflict.
2.
However, one of the major reasons why people hold themselves back is because they’re concerned about what other people are thinking about them. For example, have you ever found yourself using phrases like these when expressing yourself at work?
3.
• “Sorry, I couldn’t get back to you sooner…”
• “Sorry to bother you…”
• “Sorry, I cannot make this meeting…”
• “Sorry, I haven’t thought this through…”
• “Sorry if this doesn’t make sense…”
What differences have you noticed between the work cultures of Japan and other countries e.g as portrayed on television or through your own experiences?
The Dangers Of Over-Apologizing
4.
By saying “sorry if…” or “sorry to…,” this shows that you’re subconsciously seeking reassurance. By using phrases like the ones above before sharing your thoughts or opinions, you’re also sending a message to those you’re speaking to that often undermines the validity of your statements or implies that you lack confidence in expressing yourself or asserting your own needs.
5.
Over-apologizing is a common symptom amongst individuals with low self-esteem, fear of conflict and a fear of what others think. This goes hand in hand with poor boundaries, perhaps accepting blame for things we didn’t do or couldn’t control.
What kind of personalities do you think thrive in a corporate / office type situation and which personalities do you think often struggle? Please give examples.
6.
We instantly feel guilty like everything is our fault — a belief that probably began in childhood. When someone is afraid of rejection and criticism, they will go out of their way to be accommodating.
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However, when you use your words in this way, you undermine yourself and your opinions, which can lead to excessive self-guilt. With each apology, you’re giving away a little bit of your confidence and this can seriously affect the way you see yourself.
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Interestingly, in a study published in The European Journal of Social Psychology, researchers found that participants who refused to express remorse in this way showed signs of greater self-esteem, increased feelings of power (or control) and integrity.
