Something I often remind people in similar situations, is that not every relationship is meant to (or CAN) be stronger. There are going to be times—and at 54yrs of age I can tell you it's a certainty, not a chance, where situations will have been better for recognizing that a relationship may not ever be stronger. We're becoming (in some ways) a society that needs everything to be absolute. Absolutely perfect or absolutely dismal. It's all right, or it's completely wrong. I would suggest we'd all be better for playing more in that grey space between the two. Welcome communication and understanding. Find commonality and appreciate differences. Grow from those, or resolve to move forward as things are. The reality of relationships.

Building stronger team relationships starts with fostering open communication and mutual respect. Encourage active listening, where each team member feels heard and understood. Facilitate regular check-ins where concerns can be discussed openly, and ensure everyone feels safe sharing their thoughts. Mediate conflicts by focusing on common goals and solutions, not blame. Encourage collaboration rather than competition, and celebrate team achievements to reinforce unity. As Patrick Lencioni says, “Teamwork remains the ultimate competitive advantage, both because it is so powerful and so rare.” By fostering trust and understanding, you create a more cohesive, high-performing team.

To rebuild your team relationships, facilitate a structured dialogue where each person shares their perspective using "I" statements. Identify common goals and co-create team norms . Schedule regular check-ins to address tensions early, and foster trust through low-stakes team activities.

When team members clash, I focus on open conversations and empathy. Creating space to understand each other's perspectives helps reduce tension. I also encourage collaboration on small tasks to rebuild trust. Strong relationships are built through consistent communication and mutual respect.