Our inclination is to think that it should be possible to resolve issues, disagreements, and even conflict in one go—in a day perhaps. Sometimes, no doubt it is, if we can bring enough goodwill and expertise to bear.
Other times, we may only be able to proceed part way; we may only be able to head in the right direction—or even just a promising direction.
But we should not be deterred…
Sometimes a little progress—and a little sustained movement by all parties—can be enough to build sufficient trust, confidence, and faith that, in time, further steps can be taken and more progress made towards an ultimate resolution.
Important, then, not to dismiss the initial progress, just because it’s incomplete.
Relationship building, or especially rebuilding, is a through-time process not an in-time event.
Resolution wasn’t built in a day.