An excerpt from Tactical Smarts: Winning Ways of Working for Community Leaders

By Paul Mengert, CMCA®, PCAM®

 “Present IT THIS WAY”

INTRODUCTION

Just as in personal relationships, business relationships may hit some rough patches. However, what really matters is how you and your colleagues and clients interact with each other on a regular basis. After decades of teaching management and decision-making skills, I have observed that successful business relationships do not avoid conflicts, but rather navigate through them by communicating with appreciation and respect. Unfortunately, many business relationships fail due to poor communication and a lack of willingness to change. When you build a stronger business relationship, you build greater opportunities for real success.

 MY FIFTEEN FAILSAFE PHRASES

1. "I Appreciate Your Efforts.”

"It is easy to become overly focused on the negative aspects of your colleagues' actions in business relationships. Instead, adjust your lens and look for the good. Happy business partners express gratitude for each other's efforts. Plus, it's a great way to make everyone feel valued.

Similar phrases include:

• "I appreciate that you worked so hard to ... "

•  "I'm grateful that you made the effort to present XYZ in a professional manner."

2. "I Like Working with You."

The professionals engaged in the healthiest business relationships don't just work together: They enjoy working together. It is all about seeing them for who they are and acknowledging the attributes you enjoy about them.

Similar phrases include:

• "I like how creative you are in finding solutions to problems."

• "I like how reliable you are in delivering results."

3. "Help Me Understand Better."

Everyone has different backgrounds, vulnerabilities, values, and beliefs that shape how they think business relationships should work. If your colleague reacts to a situation in a way that you don't understand, telling them that you want to know more and understand them better is key to resolving conflict and bonding at a deeper level.

Similar phrases include:

• "I don't understand why this is a problem for you. Please help me see your perspective."

• "I want to work through this together, and I need to understand you better to do that."

4. "I'm Listening to You."

Disagreements are inevitable in business relationships, but it is important to still support each other through the challenges by using active listening. You have to be willing to suspend your desire to be "right" or to get your point across long enough to hear and empathize with your colleague's point of view.

Similar phrases include:

• “I want to understand your point of view.”

• "I want to hear your side of things, even if we ultimately disagree."

5. "I Apologize."

When things don't go right or as planned, healthy business associates know that both parties play a role in the situation. Taking responsibility for our part in those conflicts — and genuinely apologizing — is critical to repairing rifts.

Similar Phrases Include:

• "I didn't communicate my ideas in a respectful way to you, and I'm sorry for that."

• "I didn't like the way you acted in the meeting, but I also need to apologize for my reaction."

6. "I Forgive You. Can You Forgive Me?"

Forgiveness is hard in business relationships. It requires being vulnerable, letting go of something that caused you pain, and changing your feelings towards your colleague. However studies have shown that team members who practice forgiveness are more likely to enjoy longer, more satisfying relationships.

Similar phrases include:

• "I know we can't change the past, so I'm actively trying to let it go and move forward."

• "I made a mistake, and I'm trying to forgive myself. I hope you can forgive me too."

7. "I Am Committed to This Partnership."

Being in a business relationship is a choice. Reassuring your associates that you're still choosing to work with them and to tackle challenges together will help create a sense of safety and stability.

Similar phrases include:

• "Even when times are tough, I still choose to work with you."

• "I'm here and I want to make this partnership with you work. We're a team."

8. "Let's Take a Break and Have Some Fun."

If you can find humor (or playfully tease each other) during tense moments, your business relationship might end up stronger than you think. Proper timing and delivery are crucial. The happiest business relationships are ones where participants are able to break tension and recalibrate the mood by finding room for an authentic smile, silly banter, or a lighthearted joke.

Similar phrases include:

• "We should take a break from this project. Want to do something fun today?"

• "I know this is stressful. Let's take a breather and enjoy some coffee together.

9. “I Appreciate Working with You.”

This one is simple but always worth a reminder. Verbally expressing your appreciation for each other keeps the business relationship alive and healthy. And when you say it, make sure you truly mean it.

Similar phrases include:

• “I value our collaboration and the work we have done together.”

• “It has been a pleasure working alongside you and achieving our goals.”

10. "Let's Find a Solution Together."

When faced with a problem or challenge in a business relationship, it's important to work together to find a solution. Instead of blaming each other, successful work associates are willing to collaborate and come up with a plan that works for everyone.

 Similar phrases include:

• “I think we can find a way to make this work for both of us. Let's discuss some options."

• "We're in this together, and I'm confident we can find a solution that benefits us both."

11. "Thank You for Your Input."

In any business relationship, it's important to value and acknowledge each other's contributions. Showing appreciation for your colleagues’ and clients' ideas and suggestions can make them feel valued and respected.

Similar phrases include:

• "I really appreciate your expertise in this area. Your input is invaluable."

• "Thank you for bringing that idea to the table. I think it has real potential."

12. "Let's Set Clear Expectations."

Miscommunication can often lead to misunderstandings and conflicts in business relationships. Setting clear expectations from the beginning can help avoid these issues and ensure that both parties are on the same page.

Similar phrases include:

• “Let’s ensure we’re clear on each other’s roles and responsibilities.”

• "Can we discuss our expectations for this project to avoid any confusion later on?"

13. "I Trust You."

Trust is a crucial component of any successful business relationship. Expressing your trust can help build a strong foundation for your relationship.

 Similar phrases include:

• "I trust your judgment on this matter."

• "I have faith in your ability to handle this task."

14. "Let's Celebrate Our Successes."

It's important to acknowledge and celebrate your achievements in a business relationship. High-fiving milestones and accomplishments can help boost morale and strengthen your partnership.

 Similar phrases include:

• "We did a great job on that project. Let's celebrate with a team lunch."

• "I'm proud of what we accomplished together. Let's take a moment to celebrate."

15. “How Can I Support You?"

Showing support for each other builds a positive and productive work environment. Offering your help and assistance can also strengthen your partnership.

 Similar phrases include:

• "Is there anything I can do to support you with that task?"

• "I'm here for you if you need any help or support."

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

In conclusion, successful business relationships are built on effective communication, mutual respect, and a willingness to work through conflict. Using these phrases can help strengthen your partnership and create a more positive and productive work environment. By expressing gratitude, seeking to understand each other, taking responsibility for your actions, and showing support for your associates, you can build trust and a sense of teamwork that will help you navigate challenges and achieve success together.

Remember: Building a successful business relationship takes time and effort. It requires being open and honest with each other, actively listening, and being willing to compromise. By practicing these phrases and making them a part of your daily interactions, you can create a culture of positivity and collaboration that will benefit both you and your colleagues and clients. With a strong foundation of authenticity, trust, and respect, your business relationship can thrive, and your team can achieve great things.