My dear colleagues:
Allow me to take a few minutes to apologize for my 2017 transgressions and to tell you how I want to be better in 2018.
1. I’m sorry for the times I didn’t get back to you in a timely manner. Even if I knew I couldn’t resolve your issue, read your report, make a call on your behalf, I owed you acknowledgement of your request and the effort to schedule a time I could respond thoughtfully and with respect.
2. I’m sorry for the times I snapped at you, was short with you, and did not respect your feelings, your motivations, your contribution. Whether it’s just a bad day for me, or that I truly felt you were off base or out-of-line, you deserve constructive feedback, in private, in a non-threatening environment.
3. I’m sorry for not sharing enough about my expectations and the reasons for those expectations. Sometimes, the project is for the noble cause of the company we work for; sometimes it is to support others in our company; and sadly, sometimes it’s a political gesture. You deserve to know.
4. I’m sorry for those typos that got by me and made us look bad. But more than that I’m sorry for the times typos became more important than the content of your work.
5. I’m sorry for the hubris that demonstrated I had not taken the time to learn and trust your expertise, your knowledge, your skills. I need to listen, ask questions, and rely on those around me who were hired for a reason.
6. I’m sorry for the times it was about me; not about the team. Those times when I needed validation more than I gave it; when I needed recognition more than I shared it; and those times I wanted an apology, more than I was willing to forgive.
7. However, I am profoundly grateful for all that was accomplished this year; for the moments of fun and laughter; and for what you taught me in 2017.
Thank you.