#21: Improve Tough Work Relationships Fast

Promoted: Stop Doubting, Start Leading

In this episode of Promoted: Stop Doubting, Start Leading, host Karen Gombault shares a powerful case study and a practical communication strategy that transformed a client’s strained professional relationship.

If you’re leading in a high-pressure environment and finding yourself clashing with a colleague, this simple mindset shift might be the key to unlocking trust, collaboration, and stronger connections at work.

5 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

1. Improve tense relationships by entering conversations believing the other person is at least 10% right.
2. Use the exact phrase: “What I like about what you said is…” to show understanding and foster openness.
3. This strategy forces you to truly listen—authentically and with compassion.
4. When others feel seen and heard, they are more likely to engage constructively.
5. Improving relationships doesn’t require both people to change—it starts with one person choosing to show up differently.

"Go into every single conversation thinking that the other person is at least 10% right and that will change your relationship with them and improve your relationship over time." - Karen Gombault

Leadership is not about having perfect relationships—it’s about how you show up in the hard ones. By approaching even difficult colleagues with openness, curiosity, and intentionality, you set the tone and influence the entire dynamic. It’s simple. It’s powerful. And it works. Try the 10% rule this week—and see what shifts.

Be the leader who makes things better.

🔗 Connect with Karen on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/karengombault/

🎁 Free Resource — 15 Minute Overwhelm Cure:

https://www.karengombault.com/energy