French conflict resolution holds that genuine reconciliation requires genuine acknowledgment of wrongdoing. When you have wronged a French colleague, superficial apology will not suffice. What is required is specific acknowledgment of what you did, acceptance of responsibility, and demonstration that you understand the harm caused. Formulaic expressions—”I’m sorry if you were offended”—fail because they do not acknowledge specific wrongdoing.
Deflecting apologies—”I’m sorry but you also…”—fail because they avoid accepting responsibility. Genuine acknowledgment may be painful but is necessary for restoring relationship. Without it, your French counterpart’s grievance remains unaddressed; they have not received recognition that wrong occurred.
If you offer genuine acknowledgment, reconciliation becomes possible. If you offer only superficial apology, expect the conflict to persist beneath surface accommodation. Conversely, when French colleagues wrong you, they understand that genuine resolution requires their genuine acknowledgment.
Comments