Resist the urge to immediately blunt out an apology: apologies offered later in a conflict are more impactful and effective than those offered immediately. Later apologies are more effective because the "victim" has had an opportunity for self-expression and feels more understood. If you are at fault, then admit it. If you are not at fault, then apologize in a way that takes ownership for your actions or behavior, yet does not necessarily accept the party's version of what happened intentions. For example,a target might tell a party, " I am very sorry that I did not consult you before preparing the report." By saying this, the target does not agree with the party's accusation that the violator attempted to take more credit for the report; rather, the target only identifies the action as being hurtful for the victim. Indeed, when companies acknowledge they have committed acts that threaten their legitimacy (e.g., newspaper claims of illegal conduct), they are more successful in blunting criticism when they point to external, mitigating circumstances (e.g., company norms, budgetary problems).