That automatic apology?
It just costs you another promotion. Another opportunity. Another chance to lead.
Brutal Truth:
Your "sorry" is training people to see you as WEAK.
Here are 7 Authority-killers... and the confident alternatives that command respect:
NOTE: If you like listening more than reading, CLICK HERE to listen to a deep dive into today's newsletter issue.
Getting back to today's issue:
1. "Sorry, can I ask a quick question?"
- You're apologizing for needing information
- Signals you're an inconvenience
- Makes your question seem unimportant
POWER MOVE: "I have a question about [specific topic]"
WHY IT WORKS:
→ Shows you value your own needs
→ Commands attention instead of begging for it
2. "Sorry, I'm late..." (for being 2 minutes behind)
- Over-dramatizes minor delays
- Creates unnecessary guilt or your "failure"
POWER MOVE: "Thanks for your patience..." or just start
WHY IT WORKS:
→ Acknowledges others' patience (positive framing)
→ Keeps momentum forward
3. "Sorry to bother you, but..."
- Pre-frames your communication as annoying
- Apologizes for your existence
- Invites dismissive treatment
POWER MOVE: "I need your thoughts on [specific issue]"
WHY IT WORKS:
→ Positions them as the expert (flattering)
→ Creates collaboration, not interruption
→ Shows respect without submission
4. "Sorry, I disagree..."
- Apologizes for having independent thoughts
- Weakens your position before you state it
- Signals intellectual insecurity
POWER MOVE: "I see this differently" or "My take is..."
WHY IT WORKS:
→ Presents your viewpoint confidently
→ Maintains respectful dialogue
→ Shows intellectual courage
5. "Sorry if this is wrong, but..."
- Pre-emptively discredits your own idea
- Invites others to dismiss your input
- Screams lack of confidence
POWER MOVE: "Based on my analysis..." or "Here's how I'm seeing..."
WHY IT WORKS:
→ Presents ideas with conviction
→ Takes ownership of your expertise
→ Forces others to take you seriously
6. "Sorry to interrupt..."
- Apologizes for participating in conversation
- Makes your contribution seem illegitimate
- Reinforces your outsider status
POWER MOVE: "Building on that point..." or "To add context..."
WHY IT WORKS:
→ Frames your input as valuable addition
→ Shows you're actively engaged
→ Positions you as collaborative contributor
7. "Sorry, one more thing..."
- Apologizes for offering additional value
- Makes follow-up seem burdensome
- Diminishes the importance of your point
POWER MOVE: "One critical factor..." or "This matters..."
WHY IT WORKS:
→ Emphasizes the value of your addition
→ Creates urgency and attention
The psychology is RUTHLESS:
Every "sorry" trains people to:
Question your expertise. Doubt your decisions. Dismiss your contributions
The hidden cost?
Passed over for opportunities. Ideas taken less seriously. Authority permanently damaged.
Question for you Reader: Which type of sorry have you seen people most using in daily conversations?
-Waqas
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P.S.--If you like listening more than reading, CLICK HERE to listen to a deep dive into today's newsletter issue.