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    The Apology Impulse by Cary Cooper and Sean O’Meara Summary

    The Apology Impulse
    Cary Cooper and Sean O’Meara
    3.63 (71 Reviews)
    BusinessPsychologyCommunication skill
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    Overview of The Apology Impulse

    In "The Apology Impulse," renowned psychologist Cary Cooper reveals how corporate "sorry" culture has lost all meaning. Did you know American Airlines sends hundreds of apology letters daily for minor issues? Discover why authentic remorse - not reflexive contrition - builds genuine trust.

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    "Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

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    "Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

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    Key Takeaways

    1

    When Saying Sorry Became a Corporate Performance

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    Picture a groom on his wedding day in 1951, devastated because his morning suit never arrived. Weeks later, he received something extraordinary: a handwritten letter from the company's managing director expressing "unprecedented embarrassment," accompanied by a full refund and a personal check worth hundreds in today's money. This wasn't a PR strategy or damage control-it was genuine human contrition. Fast-forward to today. In January 2018, only two days passed without a major organization issuing a public apology. Tesco alone apologized 13 times in 2017-once every four weeks-despite not being six times worse than they were five years earlier. Google's database reveals that published instances of "sorry" peaked in 2008 at levels unseen since 1629. Yet here's the paradox: in 1953, during unprecedented prosperity, "sorry" hit its lowest point since the 18th century. When people were busier, richer, and happier, they apologized less. Today, we're drowning in apologies that mean nothing.

    2

    The Mechanics of Modern Contrition

    3

    The Gold Standard Nobody Follows

    4

    The Linguistic Gymnastics of Evasion

    5

    The Paradox of Being Sorry and Not Sorry

    6

    When Defiance Beats Contrition

    7

    Reclaiming the Power of Sorry