The Relational Power of Repair
Thanks for joining me on this journey of understanding.
Here is one quote, one question and one idea to contemplate.
“Mistakes are always forgivable if one has the courage to admit them.” - Bruce Lee
What becomes possible when we treat a misstep not as the end of connection, but the beginning of repair?
Missteps happen in every professional and personal relationship. A missed cue, a careless word, a decision made in isolation. We’re human, after all. But what we often overlook is that these moments of rupture don’t automatically erode trust. It’s what comes next that matters most.
Repair is relational. It isn’t about issuing a perfect apology or checking the box of accountability. It’s about how we show up, acknowledging the misstep, the impact and conveying a willingness to be more present and aware. In workplaces especially, where speed and pressure can make repair feel inconvenient, we sometimes choose avoidance over acknowledgment. But this choice costs us more than time, it costs us connection and ultimately, effective working relationships.
Accountability, when paired with humility, deepens trust rather than depleting it. When a leader or teammate acknowledges they misstepped or misunderstood and seeks to make it right, it fosters mutual respect. Repair invites both people to be responsible and receptive. It invites us to tend to the relationship, not just the result.
This doesn’t mean every rupture has to be dramatic. Sometimes, it’s simply noticing when someone has withdrawn, or recognizing your own defensiveness and choosing to re-engage. Small repairs done consistently are what keep relationships sturdy and adaptable. They signal, “You matter enough for me to return.”
So, what does it look like in practice? It might sound like:
“Looking back, I can see that my comment may have cut our conversation short.”
“That wasn’t my intent, but I see how it affected the discussion and likely, your contributions.”
“I would like to reset. I want to be more aware of what's needed in conversations like that.”
In the end, relationships don’t thrive because we avoid mistakes. They thrive because we’re willing to return to them, with care, with courage, and with the quiet power of repair.
With understanding,
Maria
