19. Accepting Excuses for Not Meeting Commitments


A: Please have a seat.

B: Thank you.

A: I am very disappointed in you.

B: I know. Believe me, I tried very hard to make your deadline.

A: I was depending on that report.

B: I know, but unexpected circumstances came up.

A: Unexpected circumstances?

B: Yes. I would have had it ready in time, but the computer crashed.

A: The company computer crashed?

B: Yes, it did. I had weeks of saved work on it when it crashed.

A: So your report was ready?

B: Yes, it was. The crash deleted all my work.

A: Okay, I'll check with IT. Thanks.

B: You're welcome.