On Apologies

Last month, I wrote about the Reorganization that's happening at my work place. 2-3 weeks after, not much has changed. We are now in that phase where executives are trying to come up with their respective organizational structure (department level and below) and staffing pattern. 


I also mentioned in that post that people are being let go because of this reorganization. To be honest, staff were also surprised with how this act came about. Sure, staff complains about their bosses from something as mundane as prima donna attitude to lack of job knowledge and whatever else, but the staff didn't foresee that these executives whom they were complaining about will eventually be made to retire or resign. 


Early on, I have a strong hunch that those who will be leaving will try to make amends to the people they have treated unfairly while they were still in their "thrones". I guess it's something inherent to people. True enough, one outgoing executive  did just that. He called all staff under his jurisdiction into a meeting. It was during this meeting that he, without batting an eyelash, said that he wants everything okay before he leaves. By this he meant that whatever has happened, he's saying sorry and can the staff just forgive him and move on. 


A close friend of mine, in particular, was a victim of this executive's abuse of power. As a matter of fact, after that particular meeting, my friend was asked to see the executive in his office. Naturally, my friend refused. Her refusal was anchored on a lot of things. Foremost is that, she's not ready. And this refusal earned another remark from that executive saying  my friend is stubborn or "matigas ang puso".


When I learned about  this, all I could say, "What the F*ck?!" Does this executive even realized what he has done to my friend all these years??? Has he shown his appreciation even for just a tiny bit, for all the hard work, long hours and dedication my friend has given just so he can deliver to the management,? 


It made me mad. How can someone abuse his power, hurt a lot of people along the way, and then in the end, say "sorry, let's be friends"? And the nerve to really push the reconciliation without any regard for my friend's feelings! What, you're time is running out?!


People, especially those who are in positions, drowns in a their so-called power that they make other people's lives a living hell, while they're at it. And then when reality comes, one acts like a humbled sheep, apologizes. But if the other party's not willing to accept the apology, they will apply coercion. Damn! So immature! 


One's willingness to apologize, albeit repeatedly, will not make up for the hurt that an act has caused to another person. Trust me on this one. A relationship that has been tainted with hurt, disappointment or worse, betrayal will never be the same. Sometimes, apologies if asked too freely also loses its meaning. 


I just wish that executives and bosses will realize this and start treating their staff right. That their staff are there to work with them and not for them. Because all of us are working for the company who pays our salaries.