5 Reasons and Solutions to Overcome Business Forgiveness Difficulties

As an entrepreneur, you have to deal with a lot of people – business partners, clients, investors, suppliers, and employees. Keeping a healthy relationship with different people can be quite taxing especially when conflicts arise. This is where many experience business forgiveness difficulties. Compassion and forgiveness in the workplace are important to keep harmony, peace, and balance within the organization. They are also important to drive your business towards growth and success. However, business forgiveness difficulties can happen, as we never think of forgiveness as an important part of entrepreneurship.

But what if you feel betrayed by a business partner or an investor? Having to deal with the feeling of betrayal can be overwhelming. So, how exactly can you deal with betrayal and forgive those who offended you?

5 Reasons Why Business Forgiveness Difficulties Happen 

Disappointments are difficult to confront, especially when you experience them from the people you least expect to frustrate you. However, you have to face the reality that disappointments are inevitable too, especially in the business industry. And while business forgiveness difficulties exist, there are still many ways to forgive someone who betrayed you.

• Feeling of Betrayal

Obviously, you will only partner or deal with people you trust. So, when a business partner or an investor wrongs you, it’s natural to ask how this came about. You want to find out whether it was done deliberately or carelessly, and what could’ve possibly gone wrong.

People sometimes do or say something out of carelessness. Most of the time, this is caused by their inability to control urges, even if they already swore they would. A business partner, for example, unintentionally divulged a confidential information that came from you. While it’s disappointing to find out about it, you can still possibly feel some sympathy.

It’s a different case with deliberate actions as these could stem from either indifference or malice. Conscious and hurtful actions are more difficult to understand and consequently, to forgive.

However, being able to understand where your case belongs can help you conquer negative thoughts and feelings and move forward. While it’s easier to forgive careless actions, try to look into the deliberate ones as well, and figure out what could’ve possibly motivated it.

• Trust Issues

Most business forgiveness difficulties happen because forgiveness plays an important role in business relationships. As with others, trust in business relationships is vital. It’s even more difficult to forgive if you’re dealing with that person closely. This is because most of the time, you also develop a friendship and bond with those you talk business with.

The relationship value that you have with a business partner or an investor may be a determining factor in deciding whether to keep them or not. If you are close enough and believe they can redeem themselves, maybe it’s worth giving them another chance. Just be more vigilant this time.

• Urge to Retaliate

It’s natural to feel the urge to retaliate after you’ve been betrayed. You may feel like those who wronged you deserve to suffer as well, but this rarely becomes a productive endeavor.

Seeking revenge only prolongs the agony and postpones the healing process. It will also deepen the wound and hurt you further. Fight the urge to seek revenge because whatever you feel will eventually vanish and cease. Having compassion and forgiveness in the workplace will make you the bigger person by not inflicting the same pain on the person who betrayed you.

• Random Reminder of the Offense

Some random reminders can make you recall the betrayal. For example, you see the business partner or investor who betrayed you at an event. This particular incident can remind you of the betrayal once again.

When you feel betrayed, one of the best short-term remedies is to avoid contact as much as possible. There’s a saying that goes, “Out of sight, out of mind.” It may be essential to keep your distance from that person – personally and electronically. You may even decide to cut your relationship with them.

You will notice your emotions eventually fading as the fire dies down. You’ll be in a better place to think things through, digest everything that’s happened, and get going.

• Seeing Forgiveness as a Sign of Defeat

There are just some things that are hard to forgive and forget, especially when it’s caused you deep wounds. The feeling of betrayal isn’t something you can easily let go and get over with. You need time to understand things, and this usually varies on the events that transpired.

Some people view forgiveness as a sign of weakness and defeat. Since you once felt frustrated, you again feel like you’re the victim. However, forgiving will only show your betrayer strength, but initiative as well. Forgiveness in business and other things is actually a sign of strength. You show those who wronged you that you can move forward with lessons learned. By learning to overcome business forgiveness difficulties, you show people that you are the bigger person in all of it.

Conclusion

You may find yourself asking why business forgiveness difficulties happen. It’s because forgiveness in business and in general takes effort and time. It’s a process, and it must not be rushed. If you’re having a difficult time understanding your betrayer’s side, try to wear their shoes. Consider how your actions or choices may have played a part in the situation. Then, assess the cost of keeping a grudge against freeing yourself from negativity through forgiveness.

If you really can’t forgive the person, it’s best to terminate the partnership. After all, it may be a sign that you already lack commitment and trust. Also, remember to be honest with yourself. Overcoming business forgiveness difficulties is better and healthier for your personal and professional relations. One day, you’ll feel better, and maybe by that time, you’ll be already ready to forgive.