One was a state government agency, the other from the private sector. The culture of these two "partners" could not have been more different.
At a team-building workshop, top managers from both sides decided to "bury the hatchet".
They bought a large, new hatchet at the hardware store in town. On one side, the government agency wrote their festering complaints. On the other, the private sector group wrote their protests, moans and grumbles.
After agreeing to work more positively in the future, both sides held a ceremony on the lawn. With photographers present, they dug a deep hole and literally "buried the hatchet". This symbolic ritual sent a strong, positive signal that the past was past. Both sides took responsibility for the future.
Can you see these two teams standing next to a pile of fresh dirt? Can you hear their pledge to start again anew? Can you feel the commitment as they walked away from a ceremonial hole in the ground?
Key Learning Point
To overcome old wounds you may need to work on a symbolic level.
Action Steps
Think about where your partnerships could be improved. Find a common phrase that captures the solution: "bury the hatchet", "patch things up", "water under the bridge". Perform a ceremonial rite or ritual that engages everyone in a gesture of new work and healing.
Ron Kaufman is an internationally acclaimed educator and motivator for partnerships and quality customer service. He is author of the bestselling "UP Your Service!" and founder of "UP Your Service College". Visit www.UpYourService.com for more such Customer Service articles, subscribe to his Newsletter, or to buy his bestselling Books, Videos, Audio CDs on Customer Service from his secure Online Store. You can also watch Ron live or listen to him at www.RonKaufman.com.
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