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I dropped the baton in our relay and keep apologising. When does taking responsibility become unhelpful?

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At the next training session, I said sorry to our relay group again. One teammate put her bag down and said, "We know. Can we practise now?"

I fumbled our exchange at the meet, and we finished fourth. I apologised that day and messaged afterwards. Nobody has asked me to keep explaining it, but every time somebody mentions the race I feel I should say something before they think I've moved on too easily.

Our coach wants us to review the exchange together. I want to do that. I'm also worried I'll spend the review asking everyone to reassure me rather than listening to what we can change.

How would you own the mistake without making your teammates manage your feelings about it? I'd like to arrive ready to work, while accepting that someone may still be disappointed. I don't know whether being quieter will look responsible or as though I no longer care.

Discussion

2 community replies

Your teammate asking to practise sounds like permission to stop repeating the apology and do the next useful thing. You have acknowledged the fumble. Arriving prepared for the review can show responsibility without another speech.

Disappointment doesn't necessarily mean somebody needs a fresh apology. Let teammates have their own reactions instead of trying to clear the air every time the race is mentioned. They may simply be discussing it, just as you want to review the exchange.

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