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Repairing a Rift
Not applicable
Warm

Reconnecting with a colleague after a blowup

You lost your temper with a coworker and the relationship has been cold since.

Strategy

Own your part without conditions. No but, no context, no scoreboard. Then ask for what a reset would take from you.

I want to clear the air about last Thursday. I raised my voice in that meeting. That was on me, and it was not okay regardless of where we landed on the decision. I would like us to be able to work together well. What would you need from me for that?

If they push back

If they are not ready: "That is fair. I am not asking you to be fine with it today. The offer stands whenever you want to pick it up."

What not to say

  • I am sorry you took it that way
  • I only reacted because you
  • We were both at fault
  • Can we just move past this

Follow-up

Thanks for meeting me. Taking your point about looping you in before I escalate — that starts now.

Get the exact words for your situation.

TACT writes a custom script based on your context, tone, and seat at the table.