Taking Time to Rebuild

Life has taught me that relationships are more valuable than short-term gain. No matter how much my pride is dented, this is the reality. What happens when I disregard the value of these relationships? How do I resolve the tension that results and when do I start on the issues that surround? Should I take any action anyway?

Many decision-makers regularly face this quandary. It may be a family relationship, business partnership, or diplomatic engagement. So what if I [you] messed up? Then what? “Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.” Nido Qubein

As a leader, I have to ‘fess up the fact that I have screwed up. The pain of swift resolution is far painless than allowing the ‘wound’ to fester for a longer time. If issues are not resolved in good time, it costs me much more than shame. I lose my credibility and trust with others.

Rebuilding respects value

Relationships are more valuable than short-term gain. I may be riding pretty at the moment, but what happens when the wind is knocked out of my sail? The same people I trampled over on my way up will be the carpet I will fall back on. They will definitely determine whether it is a fluffy cushion or a nail-bedecked concrete slab I land on?

Just because people don’t speak out doesn’t mean they don’t hurt… I have to acknowledge that the people you work with have a soul. When things go wrong, take a step back and ask, “How would I feel if I was in their shoes?”

Quality is foundational

Every action has an equal and opposite reaction. If I commit to doing good from the depths of a clear conscience, the most probable result is goodness repaid [tweet me]. This is not a guarantee, but a high probability. Generally, people are more predisposed to repay good with good.

Take time to enrich someone else. Add to their life’s coffers unreservedly. Mend bridges with stronger intent and action than what existed before. “Remember, you can lose with good players on your team, but you cannot win without them,” John C. Maxwell.

Reconnect

Rebuilding is all about trying to take the situation back to its wholesomeness. Own up to your mistakes and take charge of your ego. Get things in the right order, as Rodney Agan notes on Michael Nichols’ blog.

Do not take undue advantage of a hand offered to you in love. It should be grasped with appreciation [tweet me]. “Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently,” ~Unknown. If you can’t honor this gesture, quickly find how to avoid hurting the relationship any further.

“If there’s anything to learn, it’s getting connection back. Seeing each other again. That’s the Good Life.” @JonathanFields #goodlifeproject

Do you know where you are headed?

If you are struggling on how to rebuild or recreate your vision, I would recommend you subscribe to Michael Nichols’ blog. He was offering an awesome e-book “Creating Your Business Vision” that you can adapt for your personal vision too. As Michael notes, A vision is energizing. It’s enlivening. Vision is the guiding motivation for all great human efforts.