The Importance of Repair

In raising kids, there's a lot of talk about repair. As a parent, you mess up - you raise your voice, snap sharply, lose patience. It's called being human. Everyone does it...and relationships get little dings in them with each "bump." However, what creates connection is the repair that follows. When you have the humility to say, "I was wrong to speak to you that way," you make up miles of distance created by your shortcomings.

The same is true in leadership.

I've seen so many leaders (and been one myself) who think "time heals all wounds," as if we can simply let the infraction fade over time. Healing doesn't work that way. Repair doesn't work that way.

Leaders, like parents, must take the first step in mending a broken work relationship. It's as simple as saying, "I didn't communicate well the last time we spoke and I'd love a chance to try again," or, "I'm sorry I didn't take the time to hear what you were saying before reacting." It could even be, "I feel a lot of pressure and I unfairly passed that onto you."

Bumps and dings happen frequently in the workplace. It's okay, and sometimes even more meaningful, to step away, reflect, and repair at a later time. Owning your mistakes doesn't show your weakness, it reveals your strength.

Is there a relationship on your team that needs mending today? It isn't too late. Take the first step.