Here's how you can strengthen your relationships with sources by harnessing resilience.

1 Build Trust

Building trust with your sources is a foundational step in creating a resilient relationship. Trust is earned over time by consistently demonstrating integrity, respecting confidences, and delivering on promises . Show genuine interest in your sources' perspectives and acknowledge their expertise. When they see that you treat their information with care and use it responsibly, they're more likely to view you as a trusted ally and open up further. Remember, trust is not a static achievement; it's an ongoing process that requires your attention and effort.

3 Show Empathy

Empathy goes a long way in strengthening relationships with your sources. Understand that they have their own challenges and pressures, and be accommodating when necessary. If a source is going through a difficult time, offer flexibility in deadlines or the scope of their contribution. This kind of understanding fosters a supportive environment where sources feel valued not just for the information they provide but also as individuals. This emotional resilience can turn a professional contact into a loyal and long-term source.

5 Offer Support

Offering support to your sources can take many forms, from providing them with a platform to share their story to defending their interests when necessary. Sometimes, being a sounding board for their concerns or challenges can be enough. When sources feel supported, they're more likely to reciprocate and provide you with the information you need, even in tough times. This mutual support is a key element of a resilient relationship.

6 Reflect and Adapt

Finally, take the time to reflect on your interactions with sources and be willing to adapt your approach. Resilience isn't about being unchangeable; it's about learning from experiences and being flexible enough to modify your methods when needed. If a source expresses dissatisfaction with how a story was handled, listen to their concerns and consider how you can improve in the future. This reflective practice not only enhances your professional growth but also signals to sources that you're committed to maintaining a healthy, resilient relationship .

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?