On Soulful Sunday, we take a moment to reflect. We look back at the week gone by, and we set our intentions for the week ahead. This week, something frustrating happened – a situation with a client that left me puzzled, questioning where it all went wrong. The most frustrating part? I still don’t know exactly how the problem was created. And as I’ve always said, if I knew where I’d gone wrong, I’d apologise immediately. But without clarity, the whole situation becomes a challenge.
So, how do we handle these moments when things go wrong – whether with clients, colleagues, or in any professional setting? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when something unravels, especially when you can’t pinpoint the cause. But how we handle these situations says everything about our professionalism. So, let’s explore a few strategies on how to manage things when they don’t go to plan.
1. Pilates Teacher: Acknowledge the Issue
The first step in any conflict or misunderstanding is acknowledgment. Whether you understand the cause or not, recognising that there’s a problem shows that you are attentive and willing to address the situation. Ignoring it will only worsen the issue and may make the client or colleague feel unheard or undervalued.
What you can say: "I understand something went wrong here, and I want to find out how we can resolve it."
2. Seek Understanding, Not Blame
In Pilates, we always say the body works as a whole, not in isolated parts. The same can be said about conflict resolution. Instead of looking for someone to blame, seek to understand. Perhaps the issue arose from miscommunication, unmet expectations, or even an external factor neither party could control.
Ask questions, and be genuinely curious about the other person’s perspective. In Pilates teaching, just as in life, it's essential to take a step back and assess the whole situation before jumping to conclusions.
What you can ask: "Can you help me understand what went wrong from your point of view?"
3. Apologise with Integrity
If, upon reflection, you realise you’ve made an error, apologise sincerely and without delay. An apology should be genuine, focusing on understanding the impact of the mistake rather than simply trying to smooth things over. Even if you’re unsure exactly where the issue lies, acknowledging the upset it has caused can go a long way.
Remember, an apology doesn’t always mean admitting fault – it’s about recognising the other person’s feelings and showing empathy.
What you can say: "I’m truly sorry this has happened, and I want to do what I can to make it right."
4. Focus on the Solution
Once the problem is identified, the goal should be to resolve it swiftly. Whether it’s offering a refund, adjusting a session, or simply promising better communication moving forward, clients and colleagues alike value action. Be proactive, not defensive.
In the world of Pilates, we often adjust movements for our clients. Think of this as adjusting your approach. The goal is always to move forward in a positive direction, not to dwell on where things went wrong.
What you can say: "Let’s work together on a solution that works for both of us moving forward."
5. Learn and Reflect
Not every situation can be fully resolved, and not every conflict ends with everyone satisfied. But every experience provides a chance to reflect and grow. Ask yourself what could be done differently next time. Were there warning signs that could have been addressed earlier? Were expectations unclear from the start?
As Pilates teachers, we are constantly learning – about the body, about movement, and about how to better serve our clients. Treat each professional conflict as another opportunity to grow, both personally and within your teaching practice.
What you can ask yourself: "What could I have done differently to avoid this in the future?"
6. Communicate Proactively
Prevention is always better than cure. Many conflicts stem from unclear expectations or poor communication. Take the time to set clear, professional boundaries with your clients and colleagues. Explain your approach, your policies, and your expectations at the start of your relationship. When everyone is on the same page, misunderstandings are less likely to occur.
At the end of the day, Pilates is about balance – not just in movement, but in the way we handle our professional relationships. When things go wrong, it’s how we respond that defines us as professionals.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on this Soulful Sunday, let’s remember that conflicts, misunderstandings, and mistakes are inevitable. They happen to all of us – it’s how we grow. By approaching every situation with empathy, a willingness to understand, and a genuine desire to resolve, we can navigate these tricky moments with grace and professionalism.
Wishing you all a week of clarity, growth, and balance – both in your teaching and in your professional relationships.
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