DEAR HARRIETTE: I have been sick for the past week, and I haven't been able to come into work to complete projects. My days off were spent sleeping for about 18 hours and relaxing as best as I could.
Now that I am healthier, I realize I neglected a group project I had been working on. My boss knew I was out sick, but I did not make an effort to communicate to the group. How do I reach out to my group and apologize? Is an apology even necessary considering I have a valid excuse? -- “I” in Team, Boston
DEAR “I” IN TEAM: Being legitimately ill is real. Of course, you should apologize for not being there when your team needed you. Let them know that you are sorry you were unable to do your part in the group project. Without belaboring your illness, let them know that you were so sick that you did not even have the presence of mind to contact them. Thank them for pulling up the slack, and jump back in. Find out what work is left to do as well as what they are working on now. Do your best to focus your energy so that you can do your best as you transition back into the office.
(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)