It was just a throwaway remark. You didn’t mean to offend. But now a colleague has indicated what was said was hurtful.
So how should you respond after committing a microaggression?
- First, make sure the other person feels heard.
- Follow your colleague’s lead in the conversation; be curious and empathetic.
- Offer a sincere apology that expresses gratitude for their trust and acknowledges the impact and harm your comment caused.
- Be sure to keep it short and to the point.
- Don’t over-apologize or try to engage your colleague in a drawn-out conversation.
- Commit to doing better in the future.
Source: Harvard Business Review, July 24, 2020. Link. Microaggressions are the everyday indignities and insults that members of marginalized groups endure in their routine interactions with people in all walks of life.
. . . subtle acts of exclusion come in many forms.” – Tiffany Jana
INSIGHTS: We’ve entered a greater direct accountability era. As much as we think we aren’t offensive, we all stumble from time to time. Be sure to avoid making the conversation about yourself. Instead, express gratitude for your colleague’s trust and their belief that you are capable of evolving.