Coaching a complex relationship to rebuild trust

All good relationships are built on trust. Even in the strongest relationships, trust in certain areas can get affected, especially with the intense environments in which many of us work. When those erosions are not addressed with courage, compassion, and clarity, the cracks in the foundation of the relationship can become larger and more serious. We facilitate a structured and customized process to help identify and rebuild trust where it has eroded.

Step 1: Time with each individual 1:1

• To hear them

• To see them

• To understand them and the challenges they're experiencing with the other person

Step 2: Identify areas of trust and lack thereof individually

• Where they fully trust the other person

• Where they feel trust has eroded due to certain interactions

• What they need from the other person to rebuild trust in those areas

Step 3: Bringing people together for dialogue

• Create a container for honest and sensitive exchange

• Look at key elements of trust (competence, reliability, sincerity, empathy, intent)*

• Share what each person has observed and what they need

• From there, engage in a conversation that's usually never been had before

A relationship can experience a profound shift in just one meeting, or it can take a series of discussions to get to the desired level of understanding, alignment, and trust. Sometimes, the outcome may be the clarity that trust cannot be rebuilt, and that's beneficial to understand. What we try to ensure is that everyone involved feels they were heard, seen, and understood, and that they invested their hearts in improving the relationship. When this happens, good things usually follow.

*Adapted from The Trusted Advisor by David Maister, Charles H. Green and Robert M. Galford, 2000

“Vipin and the team at Upbuild have helped me and my company in ways we could not achieve on our own. We were getting stuck in some areas of interpersonal communication. Vipin brought the perfect balance of business know-how and mindful therapy. Some of the blockages at work can be traced back to behavior we learned to survive since we can remember. Even if you and your colleagues try not to let things “get personal,” these tendencies and unconscious reactions can get in the way professionally. Through our work together, I have seen profound shifts amongst my team and in what we can accomplish together. Sharing the opportunity for personal growth for yourself and your employees is a gift that goes way beyond the job. Thank you, Upbuild!”

— LINDSEY ADELMAN, FOUNDER & CEO, LINDSEY ADELMAN STUDIO