Susan David identifies two ends of the spectrum: the 'overcompetent' end, where relationships remain superficial and polite, and the 'over-challenged' end, where interactions are actively disagreeable and tense.
Empathy allows individuals to understand their coworker's perspective, fostering curiosity and compassion. It helps reset the emotional tone of the relationship by asking questions like 'How do they see things?' or 'What do they want from the relationship?'
Brian Uzzi suggests offering something to the other person without expecting anything in return. This activates the law of reciprocity, encouraging natural give-and-take, which is essential for rebuilding trust.
Quality questions, such as 'How do you think that meeting went?' or 'What are you working on at the moment?', signal that you value the other person's opinion. They help establish a shared psychological space and create a connection beyond superficial interactions.
Focusing on behaviors that the other person can control helps them understand how their actions affect you and your work together. This approach supports change, increases self-awareness, and improves their effectiveness without making them defensive.
Rehashing negative details, such as who said what or why, is generally unproductive. Instead, focusing on what worked well previously, what you like about the person, or what you want from the relationship helps move things forward in a constructive way.
Are you stuck in a negative rut with someone at work?
HBR contributing editor and workplace conflict expert Amy Gallo says repairing a broken professional relationship will improve your work life — whether it’s your boss, a coworker, or even your employee.
In this episode, she breaks down the different types of relationship conflicts that are common at work and the steps you can take to move forward — starting with more empathy and less ego.
Key episode topics include: leadership, careers, managing conflicts, difficult conversations.
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HBR On Leadership curates the best case studies and conversations with the world’s top business and management experts, to help you unlock the best in those around you. New episodes every week.
· Watch the original HBR Guide episode: Fixing a Broken Relationship at Work (2024))
· Find more episodes of the HBR Guide series on YouTube).
· Discover 100 years of Harvard Business Review articles, case studies, podcasts, and more at HBR.org).