Every human being is fallible; we make mistakes. In America when a mistake has been made, it is considered fitting for the person{{U}} (1) {{/U}}to acknowledge his or her error and to apologize to anyone who has been inconvenienced. Even{{U}} (2) {{/U}}are expected to admit their mistakes and apologize for them. Trying to{{U}} (3) {{/U}}a mistake and denying your guilt are considered to be indicative of serious{{U}} (4) {{/U}}.
If you make a mistake that{{U}} (5) {{/U}}a group of people, a public apology is considered the best method for{{U}} (6) {{/U}}. If the mistake was a serious one, or if some people were inconvenienced more than others, then the{{U}} (7) {{/U}}should follow the public apology with private ones to{{U}} (8) {{/U}}.
It is especially important for executives and company heads to be able to admit their mistakes. Sometimes leaders are afraid that if they{{U}} (9) {{/U}}, they will lose the respect of their employees. Actually{{U}} (10) {{/U}}— if you are honest with your employees and yourself,{{U}} (11) {{/U}}, and show that you are willing to accept blame when you make a mistake, then your employees will be{{U}} (12) {{/U}}you. They will also be more likely to admit their own mistakes.
If you{{U}} (13) {{/U}}one person, it is usually best to apologize to that person alone, unless your mistake{{U}} (14) {{/U}}by a large group of people. For example, if Leonard{{U}} (15) {{/U}}to Mr. Todd during a committee meeting, it would be{{U}} (16) {{/U}}for Leonard to apologize to Mr. Todd at the next committee meeting. If the{{U}} (17) {{/U}}created by the initial mistake is public, then the apology should be public. However, if Leonard raised his voice to Mr. Todd when only the two of them{{U}} (18) {{/U}}, he may apologize privately. Notice as well{{U}} (19) {{/U}}the apologies are. As soon as you realize you have made a mistake, you should{{U}} (20) {{/U}}.