Game 13: The Clean Apology
Game 13: The Clean Apology
Objective: Train the ability to assume responsibility without excuses. Learn that a “plain” apology raises status, while an apology with “but” lowers it.
Mechanics
- Roles:
- A (The Offended): Reads an accusation from the list (or invents one).
- B (The Leader): Must apologize accepting the error, WITHOUT adding any justification.
- Golden Rule: If B says “but”, “it’s just that”, “although” or gives a reason… LOSES THE TURN! (A horn noise or “Meeec” is made).
- The winning structure:
- “I’m sorry” / “You are right”.
- “It was my mistake” / “I wasn’t right”.
- (Optional) “I’m going to fix it like this…”.
Accusation List (Role A)
| Level | Accusation | Incorrect Answer (Loses) | Correct Answer (Wins) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | “You arrived 20 minutes late.” | “Yes, but there was traffic.” | “True. Sorry to have kept you waiting. It won’t happen again.” |
| 2 | “You forgot to buy milk.” | “It’s just that I had a lot of mess.” | “Wow, total failure of mine. I’m going down for it right now.” |
| 3 | “You shouted at me in front of the kids.” | “But you drove me crazy.” | “You are right. It was wrong on my part. I apologize.” |
| 4 | “You didn’t deliver the report on time.” | “It’s just that John didn’t pass me the data.” | “I assume responsibility. I’m going to finish it tonight.” |
“Hardcore” Variant (Level 5)
The Offended (A) must be a bit aggressive or unfair in tone. The Leader (B) must apologize only for the real part of the error, without taking the bait of the tone.
- A: “You are a disaster, you always arrive late!”
- B: “Today I arrived late and I’m sorry. (Period).” (Ignores “you are a disaster”).
Why it works
By eliminating the excuse, you eliminate weakness. You show that your ego is strong enough to hold the guilt. That generates immediate trust.