Have you ever had a moment you wish you could take back?
It’s sobering how a single moment can bury the years of trust, loyalty, and collaboration that once defined a relationship. Whether it’s a careless comment, a broken promise, a moment of silence when words were needed—or words spoken when silence would have been wiser—business relationships are fragile. And when trust is broken, even unintentionally, it’s hard to get it back.
I’ve seen it in leadership teams, partnerships, client relationships, and vendor connections: people who once worked beautifully together suddenly avoid eye contact. An entire history of collaboration gets eclipsed by one present moment of pain.
But the story doesn’t have to end there.
If a relationship in your business has gone sideways—if something good has been lost—you don’t have to settle for silence or separation. Healing is possible. It starts with courage, and it’s guided by clarity.
Here are 5 ways to find the root of the problem—and the path to restoration:
1. Look Inward First
Before pointing fingers, take inventory of your own role. What did you say or do—or fail to say or do—that may have contributed to the break? Even if you believe you’re only 10% responsible, owning that 10% can open the door for healing. Humility creates space for honesty.
Ask yourself:
What was happening in me when that moment occurred? What might I have missed?
2. Get Curious, Not Defensive
When a relationship fractures, our first instinct is often to defend ourselves. But curiosity builds bridges. Instead of rehearsing your case, ask questions. Seek to understand the other person’s perspective without interruption or justification.
Try saying:
“Help me understand what that moment felt like for you.”
3. Name the Moment
Restoration requires truth-telling. Don’t gloss over the hard moment. Name it—clearly and honestly. Acknowledging the impact of a specific moment validates the other person’s experience and shows that you’re not sweeping it under the rug.
Example:
“I realize that when I dismissed your idea in front of the team, it undercut the trust we’d built. That wasn’t okay.”
4. Offer Repair, Not Just Regret
Apologies matter, but restoration goes deeper than saying “I’m sorry.” Ask what it would take to make things right. Offer a pathway forward. Sometimes, repair means making a change, showing consistency, or giving space for healing.
Ask:
“Is there anything I can do to repair the trust we’ve lost?”
5. Rebuild with Intention
If the other person is open, don’t just return to “business as usual.” Set a new foundation. Define expectations, improve communication, and commit to regular check-ins. Restoration isn’t a one-time event; it’s a long-term practice.
Remember:
The best way to rebuild trust is to become trustworthy again, consistently.
Final Thought:
Business is built on relationships. And while it only takes a moment to lose one, it also only takes a moment to start rebuilding.
You may not be able to erase the past, but you can shape the future—one courageous conversation at a time.
scott-lowe.com 
Leave a comment