What do you do if your business relationships are strained and need problem-solving?

This is the first step in any issue or problem solving. We first need to pause, reflect, review, analyze to identify the problem and root of the problem, to understand what caused the strain in business relationship It could be misalignment of expectation, breach of trust, miscommunication or misunderstanding etc that caused the strain. Once the root problem is identified, then one can then brainstorm, review and reflect to come up with solutions to address and overcome to issues, and restoring relationship.

Self-Reflection: Begin by honestly reflecting on your own behavior and communication style. Have you unintentionally caused any offense or frustration? Are there areas where you could improve communication or collaboration? Gather Feedback: If comfortable, have an open and honest conversation with your business partner to understand their perspective. Ask open-ended questions like "Can you tell me more about what's frustrating you in our working relationship?" or "Is there anything I can do to improve communication?" Actively listen to their concerns without interrupting. Consider External Factors: Are there external factors impacting the relationship, such as tight deadlines, resource constraints, or disagreements with higher management?

There were two companies AB and CD,- both competing fiercely in the same market. Despite their proximity, their relationship was fraught with tension, akin to ships passing in the night. once rivals, found their relationship strained by miscommunication, conflicting interests, and unmet expectations. Tensions simmered as they competed for resources and market share. Yet, during a chance encounter, they realized their mutual misunderstanding. Through open dialogue, they identified shared goals and committed to collaboration. With renewed communication and mutual respect, they transformed their strained relationship into a thriving partnership, unlocking new opportunities for growth.

In my experience, what always works better is open communication and empathy. Initiate a dialogue to understand the issues from all perspectives. Employ active listening to ensure all parties feel heard and valued. Identify common goals and interests to shift focus from conflict to collaboration. Implement clear, actionable steps towards resolution and establish regular check-ins to monitor progress and prevent future misunderstandings. Transparency and commitment to mutual success are crucial. During COVID, I guess many of us had to re-discuss many business agreements as a consequence of the global situation, disruptions, financial struggles...etc that required a lot of empathy and interest to look at the long-term relationship.

Just like gold is tested in fire, relationships—whether in business or personal life—face challenges. But overcoming these tough times makes partnerships stronger. The key? Open communication from both sides. Even though it's hard, it's better to TALK things out before deciding to end things completely. T - Transparency: Openly sharing thoughts and feelings to foster trust and understanding. A - Active Listening: Fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what is being said. L - Learning: Continuously seeking understanding and growth from the challenges faced together. K - Kindness: Approaching discussions with empathy, respect, and consideration for each other's perspectives and feelings.