Your communication issues can sometimes extend to family.
This month’s positive point in working with a client was around this couple’s relationship with an extended family member. I’m not sure how many people know that I coach men and women on how to communicate in a variety of family situations. It can involve a daughter and mother, brothers, sisters, in-laws, or any combination of relationships.
This particular couple had a falling-out with an extended family member and wanted to build a bridge between them instead of a wall. The other party wasn’t reaching out as she had done in the past, so they decided to initiate the connection, even though there was a risk that it might make matters worse.
What they needed help with was a bit of instruction on how to make that connection. I told them timing and language were important but most important was that they initiated the connection as a team.
As uncomfortable and a bit unnerving as it was, they made the phone call and extended themselves with an invitation to a family gathering and the member of the family accepted! They have broken the ice and now can lay a new foundation in the relationship. I am so proud of this couple for feeling the fear and doing it anyway!!