What do you do if your professional relationship in network security becomes strained?

More often than not there's a tendency to overlook the issue and continue with 'professional relationships' while the interpersonal relationships suffer and I believe accepting and acknowledging that there is an underlying issue is very critical. The tension can be eased if acceptance is embraced and only then can a way to forge new smooth relationships be discovered. Where there is a will there is a way.

Recognize the tension, review situations and actual root problem. Review previous mode or tone of communication, make adjustments. Apologise if need be, then move on to solve to root cause.

Try to understand what specifically is causing the strain in the professional relationship. It could be due to differing opinions on security strategies, communication issues, workload distribution, or personal conflicts

Accept that there is tension. Identify the subject matter cause for the tension and the individuals involved or concerned and impacted by the tension. Be humble, listen, that opens the avenue for communication about the root cause. And opens the window of opportunity to find a solution to the matter and to overcoming tension.

When an issue arises, initiating an open dialogue is crucial. Communication is key in resolving misunderstandings and rebuilding trust, especially in network security where stakes are high. Approach the conversation with respect and a genuine desire to understand the other person's perspective. This can de-escalate tension and pave the way for a constructive discussion.

Schedule a private meeting with the individual(s) involved to discuss the issues openly and honestly. Maintain a calm and professional demeanor during the conversation. Listen actively to their concerns and viewpoints without interrupting

Common ground is important since in most strained relationships parties often become tunnel visioned and only their side of the story is important. Trying to find common ground and reasoning with and from the conflicting party's perspective gives a whole new dynamic to the problem and its solutions become broad and less tense.

Look for areas of agreement or common goals that both parties can focus on. Emphasize the importance of collaboration and teamwork in achieving security objectives.

Clearly define roles, responsibilities, and expectations to avoid misunderstandings in the future. Make sure everyone understands their duties and how they contribute to the overall security posture

The best way to avoid unnecessary strained relationships is to set boundaries and just like in security where control can either be done before or after with before being more recommended, setting boundaries should be used as a precautionary measure to avoid conflict but in case they are broken it is never too late to speak them out.

If efforts to resolve the strain are unsuccessful, consider involving a neutral third party, such as a mediator or HR representative, to facilitate constructive dialogue and conflict resolution.

Moving forward positively after resolving strained professional relationships in network security is crucial for productivity and a healthy work environment. Avoid dwelling on past issues and focus on proactive steps to prevent recurrence. Learn from the experience, improve communication, clarify roles, and implement conflict resolution mechanisms. Addressing underlying issues strengthens relationships and fosters a more cohesive team. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and remain committed to continuous improvement and collaboration.

Review and update Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with other departments to align expectations & responsibilities. Our network security team had frequent conflicts with the helpdesk over response times. By revising our SLA and adjusting it to better reflect realistic response times, we managed to ease tensions and improve satisfaction. Promote team-building activities outside of work to create informal bonds & reduce workplace tensions. A friendly competition of Capture the Flag (CTF) allowed our security engineers and developers to work together in a non-critical environment, improving their understanding of each other's skills and establishing trust.