What do you do if your professional relationships are strained and need strengthening?

When professional relationships are strained, start by mindfully observing interactions, reflecting on your role, and empathizing with others' perspectives. Clarify intentions, evaluate impacts, and respond non-reactively with clarity and compassion. This mindful assessment lays the foundation for strengthening relationships.

Na minha experiência, a melhor forma de entender o porquê das rela??es estarem tensas é observando e entendendo os pontos de contato, quem s?o os envolvidos e quais s?o os motivos subjetivos para que aquela tens?o esteja instaurada. A partir da observa??o e entendimento do que pode estar acontecendo, o próximo passo é tentar gerar uma conex?o, que através dela será possível gerar bases para fortalecer a rela??o e sair desse clima tenso que estava existindo.

One mindful exercise that is very effective for exploring conflict is the RAIN method by Tara Brach. R, recognize. Be self aware that you are triggered or the situation is escalating. A, allow others to have the opinion and you to have yours. I-investigate. Explore with curiosity & non-judgment questions like, but not limited too, “What is the tone being used?” “What is this triggering in me that is making this experience uncomfortable.” “Is this a feeling I have had before?” “Is my perception/ interpretation facts?” . Investigating allows you to see it without attachment. Finally, N- non identification with the situation. The situation doesn’t carry an emotional charge. You simply see it for what it is a difference of opinion & carry on.

One of the most powerful process would be to forgive self and others. Remember, to see with the lens of not being perfect. We all have some flaws. We operate and act with the best of knowledge that each one has. An intention to look into the situation and person without being judged would really help to perceive with love, compassion. Become mindful of the triggers, few prompts that would help - Is this fact/ truth?? what need of mine is not been fulfilled? Knowing the higher level of truth about the person can help to anchor and bring in non - judgement and cultivate compassion.

A recent discovery I've come across that is PROFOUND for strengthening relationships that feel strained is the power of ingratitude! Journaling ingratitude for the person or group of people you find it difficult to be compassionate has transformed my relationships with these individuals. A very simple framework 1. Two things I am ungrateful about these individuals. 2. Why do I feel ungrateful for these two things? 3. How I am feeling while writing about this. 4. What I can do to feel more grateful?about?these individuals. Rinse and repeat for as many days as it takes to cultivate gratitude towards these individuals, and you will discover an opening of compassion towards them.

To strengthen strained professional relationships, initiate open and honest communication to address any underlying issues. Show empathy and actively listen to understand the other person's perspective. Apologize for any misunderstandings or mistakes. Foster trust by being reliable and transparent in your interactions. Collaborate on projects to build rapport and find common ground. Seek feedback and be willing to make compromises. Invest time in nurturing these relationships through regular check-ins and social interactions.

Listening is one of the most important skills of communicating effectively. Everyone wants to be heard, but I have found that it is those who listen and ask open-ended questions that learn the most. One of the best ways to show that you are listening attentively It is also to repeat back what the person said. This not only shows that you were listening, it shows that you understood them.

Mindfulness is the key to working in collaboration. Being a masterful listener and observation will allow positive collaboration, where everyone can be heard and feel safe to express themselves. Creating a conducive environment where people can feel 'at home' (feeling comfortable inside themselves) is always going to bring out the best in them without the need to force anything

One of the most powerful shifts you can make in your relationships is to celebrate the wins! Celebration is the highest expression of gratitude. When it is felt, it transforms your entire mind, body and deepest parts of your being. Celebration can be difficult for some people to feel and express within themselves, so being observant and cultivating that environment where it is inclusive and safe is very important for the celebration to naturally unfold. We need to learn how to celebrate LIFE more and share that with the people around us!

Communicate, listen to understand, touch base periodically not just when you need something, encourage. Everyone is busy, but never too busy to receive a kind word.

When professional relationships are strained, it's time to act with empathy and intention. Initiate open, honest conversations to understand perspectives and address concerns. Listening actively and validating experiences can rebuild trust. Acknowledge your role in any misunderstandings and commit to clear, consistent communication moving forward. Mindfulness practices can help maintain emotional balance and foster a genuine connection during these discussions. Strengthening relationships requires patience, respect, and the willingness to see from others' viewpoints. Remember, the strongest bonds are often forged through overcoming challenges together.

Marie Kondo made a name for herself in the world of "dejunking." Her methodology was fairly simple: You assess "things" and ask "Does this bring me joy?" If the "thing" does, you make a place for it. If not, you discard it. Professional relationships may benefit from a similar exercise. Sometimes, what was a great professional relationship may become strained. Part of us wants to hold onto that and say, "I can fix this" or "it's worth fixing." The reality, might lie somewhere else. Perhaps that individual's priorities have changed. Their modus operandi may have changed due to a new reality (money, status, life, etc.). So, assess and ask that same question. If a professional relationship no longer delivers joy, it's okay to move on.