CNN Money highlights four keys to recovering from a crisis and restoring reputation. While written in the context of what companies should do in a public relations crisis, the tips provide a focus for relationship problems we encounter.
Rupert Younger lists and explains these steps to avoiding disasters (excerpt):
1. Acknowledge and apologize [apologize immediately and sincerely]
2. Identify root cause of the crisis [find the factors, make them know with transparency and honesty]
3. Make the necessary changes [full-scale intervention to prevent similar problems in the future]
4. Ongoing evaluation of crisis response [ensure actions address the causes; be transparent]