Did you snap at a colleague who didn't get his/her work done? Or did you miss an important deadline, messing up a coworker's project timeline? When your mistake affects someone else, here's how to make amends:
Admit that you were wrong. Own up to what you did — or failed to do.
Show you understand the repercussions. Don't assume you know what your coworker feels or thinks, but acknowledge that you know you've negatively affected him/her.
Tell him/her what you will do differently. Reassure him/her that you won't behave the same way in the future. Be specific about what you will change.
Source: Today's Management Tip was adapted from "How to Give a Meaningful Apology" by Mark Goulston.