When Should a Leader Apologize and When Not?

Why Difficult?

When we wrong someone we know,even not intentionally,we are generally expected to apologize so as to improve the situation. But when we’re acting as leaders,the circumstances are different. The act of apology is carried out not only at the level of the individual but also at the level of the institution. It is a performance in which every expression matters and every word becomes part of the public record. Refusing to apologize can be smart,or it can be stupid. So,readiness to apologize can be seen as a sign of strong character or as a sign of weakness. A successful apology can turn hate into personal and organizational harmony—while an apology that is too little,too late,or too obviously strategic can bring on individual and institutional ruin. What,then,is to be done?How can leaders decide if and when to apologize publicly?

Why Now?

The question of whether leaders should apologize publicly has never been more urgent. During the last decade or so,the United States in particular has developed an apology culture—apologies of all kinds and for all sorts of wrongdoings are made far more frequently than before. More newspaper writers have written about the growing importance of public apologies. More articles,cartoons,advice columns,and radio and television programs have similarly dealt with the subject of private apologies.

Why Bother?

Why do we apologize?Why do we ever put ourselves in situations likely to be difficult,embarrassing,and even risky?Leaders who apologize publicly could be an easy target. They are expected to appear strong and capable. And whenever they make public statements of any kind,their individual and institutional reputations are in danger. Clearly,then,leaders should not apologize often or lightly. For a leader to express apology,there needs to be a good,strong reason. Leaders will publicly apologize if and when they think the costs of doing so are lower than the costs of not doing so.

Why Refuse?

Why is it that leaders so often refuse to apologize,even when a public apology seems to be in order?Their reasons can be individual or institutional. Because leaders are public figures,their apologies are likely to be personally uncomfortable and even professionally risky. Leaders may also be afraid that the admission of a mistake will damage or destroy the organization for which they are responsible. There can be good reasons for hanging tough in tough situations,as we shall see,but it is a high-risk strategy.

―→·Public apology is much more than a(an)    72     act.

·It’s no     73    job to strike a balance between apologizing or not.

·Apologies not     74     offered can bring on individual and institutional ruin.

―→     ·In an     76 , admission of all sorts of wrongdoings is more required than before.

·The     77   of public apologies has been widely reported in the mass media.

―→ ·Being public figures, leaders are supposed to appear     78 .

·There needs to be a sufficient reason for a leader to     79     in public.―→ ·Making apologies is likely to be personally uncomfortable and    80 .

·Admission of a mistake or wrongdoing will probably do     81    to their organization.

72.personal/individual 73.easy 74.properly/appropriately/successfully/rightly 75.urgent 76.apology culture 77.growing importance 78.strong and capable 79. express apology/apologize 80. (even) professionally risky 81. damage/ harm

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Autumn and winter are cold and flu seasons. Will the old advice about dressing warmly help prevent a cold, or if you get sick, should you follow the old saying, “feed a cold and starve a fever?” And what about that fever? Should you take medicine to reduce your temperature, or is it better to let the body treat the fever itself? Everyone seems to have an answer. But is popular wisdom valuable?
Doctor Nelson knows a lot about cold and flu seasons. Nelson says research may be just starting to provide proofs for long-held beliefs. For example, scientists for years were against the idea that getting cold and wet might cause colds or flu. But recent studies have shown that cold temperatures cause stress on the body, and that stress can create conditions more inviting to viruses. So maybe it does make sense to wrap up warmly before going outside.
And what about feeding a cold and starving a fever? Nelson says if you have a cold and are hungry, you should eat. But a fever, especially a high one, suggests a more serious problem. He says people are usually not hungry when they have a high fever. Eating might even make a person sick. But drinking enough water is important. A fever easily makes the body lose water.
Finally, when should you treat a fever? Nelson says a fever should be treated if it stays at
40℃ or above for a day or more. A high temperature can damage brain cells. The doctor also believes in treating a fever if it prevents a person from sleeping.
Medicine like aspirin, for example, can be used to reduce pain and fever. But aspirin should not be given to children because it can cause serious problems.
【小題1】We can learn from the passage that Doctor Nelson________.

A.doesn’t believe in the old advice about preventing colds
B.is now trying his best to provide proofs for long-held beliefs.
C.doesn’t think it necessary to see a doctor immediately if a person has a temperature of 40℃
D.doesn’t think it necessary to treat a fever even if it prevents someone from sleeping.
【小題2】According to Doctor Nelson, if someone catches a fever, he should________.
A.bathe in cold waterB.drink enough water
C.try to eat somethingD.take some exercise outside
【小題3】Which of the following is Not mentioned in the passage?
A.When people should treat a fever
B.Whether the old advice about preventing a cold is valuable.
C.What the medicine , aspirin, is used for.
D.Why people should eat when having a cold.
【小題4】The passage suggests that_______.
A.a(chǎn)spirin can damage train cells if an adult takes too much of it.
B.it is easier for people to catch colds when their bodies are stressed.
C.some old advice about preventing colds doesn’t make any sense.
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There is plenty for kids and teens to do in the Syracuse area during the summer, including some great educational opportunities. Here are the top four.
Rosamond Gifford Zoo Camp
The zoo offers separate camps for kids. The camps for kindergarteners run from 9 am to 12:30 pm, and cost $115 for zoo members and $135 for non-members. Kids entering 7th and 8th grades will have half a day from 1 pm to 4:30 pm. The cost is $149 for members and $160 for non-members. All camps feature numerous educational activities and animal encounters. The camps run from August 14 to August 19. Registration starts from July 10 for members and July 15 for non-members.
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Syracuse University Summer College
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【小題1】If a preschool boy and his 8th-grade brother attend the Zoo Camps, they should
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【小題2】When should a child start to attend the Zoo Camps?
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【小題3】What do we know about the Chess Camp from the passage?
A.Children can learn improved chess skills through it.
B.Only children aged 8-15 can attend it.
C.Whole day sessions will cost $250 for it.
D.It will last for two weeks.
【小題4】Where can children attend the largest number of programs with low cost?
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When Should a Leader Apologize and When Not?
Why Difficult?
When we wrong someone we know, even not intentionally, we are generally expected to apologize so as to improve the situation. But when we’re acting as leaders, the circumstances are different. The act of apology is carried out not merely at the level of the individual but also at the level of the institution. It is a performance in which every expression matters and every word becomes part of the public record. Refusing to apologize can be smart, or it can be stupid. So, readiness to apologize can be seen as a sign of strong character or as a sign of weakness. A successful apology can turn hate into personal and organizational harmony—while an apology that is too little, too late, or too obviously strategic can bring on individual and institutional ruin. What, then, is to be done? How can leaders decide if and when to apologize publicly?
Why Now?
The question of whether leaders should apologize publicly has never been more urgent. During the last decade or so, the United States in particular has developed an apology culture—apologies of all kinds and for all sorts of wrongdoings are made far more frequently than before. More newspaper writers have written about the growing importance of public apologies. More articles, cartoons, advice columns, and radio and television programs have similarly dealt with the subject of private apologies.
Why Bother?
Why do we apologize? Why do we ever put ourselves in situations likely to be difficult, embarrassing, and even risky? Leaders who apologize publicly could be an easy target. They are expected to appear strong and capable. And whenever they make public statements of any kind, their individual and institutional reputations are in danger. Clearly, then, leaders should not apologize often or lightly. For a leader to express apology, there needs to be a good, strong reason. Leaders will publicly apologize if and when they think the costs of doing so are lower than the costs of not doing so.
Why Refuse?
Why is it that leaders so often refuse to apologize, even when a public apology seems to be in order? Their reasons can be individual or institutional. Because leaders are public figures, their apologies are likely to be personally uncomfortable and even professionally risky. Leaders may also be afraid that admission of a mistake will damage or destroy the organization for which they are responsible. There can be good reasons for hanging tough in tough situations, as we shall see, but it is a high-risk strategy.

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根據(jù)短文內(nèi)容,從短文后的選項中選出能填入空白處的最佳選項。有兩項為多余選項。
We all have the ability to make friends. 46 Making friends is a skill, and the first step in developing that skill is knowing how to get along with others. People who are good at getting along with others take an interest in what other people like.
The following are some tips.
²    Realize your own strengths. 47 Some people don’t let others see their goodness.
²    Believe that you are a good person who has something to share with others.
²    Develop a sense of humor. Learn to laugh at yourself and your shortcomings. It will give out some of the stress in your life.
²    48 They have their opinions, and you have yours. Different opinions are healthy. Learn how to listen to others without putting them down or trying to persuade them that your opinion is right.
²    Be kind. Throughout your life, you will learn that if you are kind to others, they will usually be kind to you. 49 Right now. Give someone a compliment(恭維). Open the door for someone. Wave to a friend. Encourage someone who is discouraged. There are hundreds of little things you can do to show kindness.
²    Be sympathetic. 50 Look at life through their eyes.
²    Never give up. Even if you are faced with negative, closed-minded people, never give up. Don’t let them change you into one of them. Find people who will appreciate you.

A.Respect the rights of others.
B.When should you start being kind?
C.Unfortunately, many people never reach their potential.
D.Friends are very important to every one of us.
E.       You have skills and talents that others can enjoy.
F.       You must try your best to help others out of trouble.
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Beverage Service    We serve a variety of soft drinks, coffee, tea and free of charge. However, as flying has a dehydrating effect, water and non-alcoholic beverages are recommended.

Electronic Equipment    Cellphones, FM/AM radios, portable television sets and electronic toys with remote controls must not be used in the cabin, as their signals may interfere with the aircrafts navigational instruments. Laptop computers and CD (MD, MP3) players may be used during cruising portions of the flight but not during the takeoff and landing.

Inflight Entertainment    A wide selection of international publications are available for your reading pleasure. You may keep this free copy of Morning Calm magazine, but kindly return all other reading materials after you have finished with them for the benefit of fellow passengers. A selection of music is available on eight channels, from channel 3 to 10. The channel changer is on your armrest. We also offer a selection of popular films; you may listen in English on channel 2. Paduk (go) and chess are available on request, and we have free postcards and stationery.

Medical Needs    We keep a selection of nonprescription medicine for any passenger suffering from mild sicknesses. An emergency medical kit is also available for more serious illnesses.

Travelling with Infants and Children    Baby bassinets are provided on a first come first serve basis and should be requested at the time of booking. Special meals for children and infants can be served if the request is made 24 hours before departure. Selected giveaways for children aged 2 to 12 are available on all international flights.

1.The services above are probably offered by ___________.

A.a(chǎn) traveling agent                        B.a(chǎn) medical center

C.a(chǎn)n airline                              D.a(chǎn) five-star hotel

2.Which of the following is not allowed according to the passage?

A.Watching popular films.

B.Listening to MP3.

C.Having nonprescription medicine.

D.Using mobile phones.

3.If you turn on channel 5 on your armrest, what will you enjoy?

A.International news.                      B.Free-of-charge drinks.

C.Fashion magazines.                      D.Popular music.

4.When should a passenger request special meals for children and babies?

A.24 hours before departure.               B.At the time of booking.

C.Soon after the takeoff.                    D.At the time of landing.

 

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