What makes an apology genuine? Experts weigh in after Japan coach's gesture at FIFA World Cup 2026

Little did we know Team Japanrsquos softspoken manager Hajime Moriyasu had packed more than just tactics and game plans for the 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign Following the Blue Samuraisrsquo heartbreaking exit after a lastminute 21 defeat to Brazil on June 30 Moriyasu reached for his most powerful weapon an apologyAs the team huddled the tearyeyed coach apologised to his players first Moments later the entire squad turned to the stands and bowed deeply before their fans ldquoMy ability as a coach was insufficient I want to say I am truly sorryrdquo he later opened up in a conferenceManager Hajime Moriyasu apologises to fans after their World Cup exit in Houston PICS COURTESYJAPAN Football AssociationAs cliche as it may sound Japanrsquos gesture left us wondering if closer to home we will ever see a culture of apologising with grace let alone to a junior or subordinate at work As the old saying goes itrsquos never too late says citybased counselling psychologist Mausam ShahEgo problemgtgt Reluctance to apologise is not just about ego itrsquos often about fear says Shah In workplace settings many people equate admitting a mistake with appearing incompetent or weakgtgt Fear of losing credibility perfectionism defensiveness and low emotional tolerance make owning up doubly difficultgtgt Ironically those who acknowledge mistakes are often seen as more trustworthy A sincere apology builds psychological safety and strengthens relationships rather than diminishing authorityThe perfect apologyIf you find it hard to swallow your pride and say ldquoIrsquom sorryrdquo therersquos good news A good apology is easier to express The psychologist shares a handy guideA good apology has three parts acknowledge the impact take responsibility without excuses and explain how you will approach the issue differentlyA genuine apology acknowledges the issue and presents a solutionIn professional settings say ldquoI realise I created confusion with my decisions Herersquos how Irsquoll correct itrdquoldquoI understand the impact of my communication and Irsquoll be more mindful moving forwardrdquoIn personal settings say ldquoI can see why you felt hurt I could have handled that much better Irsquoll prioritise your emotions going forwardrdquoItrsquos okay bossMany senior managers and executives struggle to apologise to their teams feeling they owe no apology Executive coach Punam Agarwal warns it might lead to toxic workplace culturesPunam Agarwalgtgt Separate your role from your identity You can be an enigmatic leader who is also emotionally mature enough to let your guard down and take responsibility with integritygtgt Apologising sets a powerful example that taking responsibility is a strength not a weakness Such behaviour encourages team members to be honest about their own mistakesgtgt Ultimately a culture of accountability always outperforms a culture of egoModeration is keyOn the other hand apologising repeatedly can reflect selfdoubt rather than accountabilityA sincere apology from a senior can set the precedent for an honest team REPRESENTATION PICSISTOCKgtgt Before you apologise Shah suggests you ask yourself 1 Did I actually cause harm 2 Is this my responsibility or was I simply present when the situation unfoldedgtgt Replacing ldquoIrsquom sorryrdquo with ldquoThank yourdquo is more empowering For instance say ldquoThank you for your patiencerdquo instead of ldquoSorry for keeping you waitingrdquogtgt Always remember a sincere apology should be intentional not habitual