Mr Unique, I'm really just genuinely interested in why I should apologize for things that happen. I'd like to see their thoughts on it, and review their point of view, as well as yours.
Personally, I used to be in a telecom management position at a medium sized corporation, and when I first got on and would get reamed for screwups, I'd say "I'm sorry, blah blah blah blah blah" and try to dig my way out. After realizing that this commanded no respect, I just started saying "It was a mistake and here is how we're going to fix it." Eventually instead of reaming my department for the occasional error, upper management would just say "Ok reyalp, X happened, what are you going to do about it?"
If I accidentally maim someone in a car wreck, I'll be the first to give the deepest heartfelt apology you've ever seen.
But for run of the mill mistakes and errors/omissions, I will not.
If I say something that offends someone, and that was not my intent, I will still not apologize. I will, however, make it clear to them that it was not my intent to offend them.
If I've offended any of you, it was not my intent to do so. I hope I have clairified my viewpoint so that you have a better understanding of where I am coming from.
I am very open-minded, and I actually like hearing people's opinions about different topics on a regular basis. If you act childish in response to something I've said, I'll call you on it and ask you to elaborate. Not because I want to make you look bad, but because I want to know why you disagree. If I feel I am in error after hearing your side, I will admit it. If I have not heard your opinion, though, I will stand my ground.
kaaay