5 Steps for Reconciliation

November 8 was Election Day in the States.

If your candidate won, congratulations. If not, condolences. If you are anything like me, you may be breathing a sigh of relief that the “us vs. them” nastiness will no longer be clogging the airwaves or the mailbox.

It’s time to move past the focus on what divides us and get back to the connection and collaboration that will move us forward.

This is just as true for your business as it is for our country. There are times or cycles in the life of a business when conflict arises, sides are taken, and relationships are at risk.

Here are five things you can do as a leader to help you and your team to mend fences and move forward.

Take the first step -Moving past conflict and division can only happen if someone is willing to make the first move. Be willing to initiate the conversation, even if it means taking a risk. There is far more risk in remaining divided than in taking a step closer.

Do more listening than talking – You already know what you think and feel. Now it’s time to find out where everyone else stands, to figure out what’s behind their resistance or opposition and what it will take to come together.

Focus on commonalities – The Law of Attraction says that what you focus on expands. If you focus on what divides and separates you from your team or your team from each other, you magnify and amplify the importance of those things. Focus instead on where you agree and use that agreement to serve as the foundation for a better relationship.

Revisit your shared commitment – Take time to remind yourselves of the vision, mission, and values that guide your company. Renew your commitment to support and promote these things. Encourage people to use these commitments as the guiding principles for thoughts and actions.

Celebrate small victories – You may not be able to overcome the discomfort and distress that results from a time of conflict in one single step. The first discussions may clear the air, but the proof of better relationships will come over time as actions support your strengthened connections. Don’t wait until everything is perfect to celebrate your progress. People will appreciate that their efforts are noticed, and this will encourage them to continue to work on improving and repairing relationships.

It's time to mend fences in our country. If it’s time to mend fences in your business, get started now so that you move into 2023 united instead of divided. It will make all the difference in your success.