How to Fix a Damaged Professional Relationship

How to Fix a Damaged Professional RelationshipAnyone who`s been in business long enough has at some point encountered at least one damaged professional relationship. Be it with peers, superiors, suppliers or customers, relationships cannot always be as smooth as we`d like. However, fixing already broken relationships can sometimes by vital for progression, so how do you do it?

Take the blame

The first thing you need to do is understand where you went wrong. If this is still unclear to you try to position yourself in the other person`s shoes. Think of the causes of the situation, of your role in the cause and of the consequences. Some famous business people advise to take the whole blame even if you don`t need to. Depending on the person you`re dealing with, sometimes taking the whole blame could mean the first step to reconciliation, but make sure this is what you really want, otherwise it will just feel as compromise.

Review the situation

If we go by the saying that there`s two sides to every story we should consider this for the damaged relationship. Sometimes reframing a part or the whole situation can put you in the place you`re more open to consider other opinions. Make sure you don`t let things like different business approach style stand in the way of a promising relationship. Different values might not be as bad as you thought after all.

Reconstructing your professional relationship

Make the first step towards reconstructing your professional relationship by taking responsibility. Now although both parts need to be more accountable it`s often the first step that encourages the other person. You could say something along the lines of ‘From now on, I will do X and Y’ thus showing you are willing to commit.

Be consistent

This applies to both parties. Being consistent will speak louder than any words and will ensure there are no surprises. Being consistent does imply however new ways of approaching the relationship. Make sure you don`t fall back into the same old way which lead to the issues in the first place. Think of a structure and plan your way ahead. This will surely be a longer process but necessary to rebuild trust between any professional partners.

Be proactive

This often sounds generic, but being proactive will translate into a professional relationship being what you want it to be instead of developing on its own. Take initiative and ensure you know where both of you are. Setting your own limits is also advisable, make sure your professional partner knows what these are. Being upfront can be a huge asset in rebuilding relationships.

In the end you could get hundreds of ideas and tips but the most important thing to remember is that you need to keep the dialogue going and constantly communicate with your professional partner and given time, the relationship could be back on track.

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