How can you maintain a professional relationship with clients who have fired you?

Try not to take rejections personally because oftentimes, it is not a personal attack or rejection. Learn from the experience. Own your role and move on. Maintain professional decorum and always remember it is a small world and we're separated by the proverbial 6 degrees.

I use Positive Intelligence to coach myself and identify my saboteurs, which allows me to discern the underlying causes of my emotions. Once identified, I make a conscious effort to challenge myself, transforming difficult situations into opportunities for knowledge. This empowers me to learn more about myself and others, inspiring me to continuously improve and maintain a high level of professionalism.

I suggest having a positive outlook, utilizing strategy over emotions, and focusing on how to maintain and rebuild the relationship in the future. Business relationships are as focused and dependent upon trust as any other relationship. Sometimes, deals fall through, deadlines aren’t met, or the result doesn’t meet expectations. However, you can ask the client what could have been done differently and if you can do anything to resolve the issue now. Sometimes, a singular point can uncover a more significant problem within your organization, so take the time to hear the other party and then ask if you can do anything to improve your organization. Growth is a continuing process to learn and excel.

When expressing gratitude and seeking feedback from a coaching client who has decided to end the coaching relationship, it's essential to approach the situation with humility and professionalism. Next, acknowledge their decision and express a genuine desire to understand their perspective. Politely ask for feedback on what worked well during the coaching relationship and where there might have been areas for improvement. Maintain a positive and open-minded tone throughout the communication, avoiding defensiveness. Let the client know that their insights are valuable and will contribute to your ongoing development as a coach

Maintaining a professional relationship with clients who have fired you is a bit like being friends with a cat that occasionally scratches you – it requires a good sense of humor and a short memory! First, channel your inner superhero and wear that 'fired' badge with pride, because every great hero faces a setback now and then. Make sure to keep in touch, but not too much - you don't want to be the ex-client stalker. Be like that cool friend who casually likes their social media posts, maybe dropping a witty comment or a friendly emoji here and there.

Express your gratitude again for the experience and wish them well in their future endeavors. This approach shows professionalism, a commitment to improvement, and a genuine appreciation for the client's input. Emphasize your commitment to continuous growth and improvement as a coach.

Instead of dwelling on the past, focus on personal and professional growth. Stay open to learning from the experience, identify areas for improvement, and use the time between jobs to enhance skills. Networking and staying connected with industry contacts can also pave the way for new opportunities. By remaining adaptable, resilient, and open-minded, individuals who have been fired can position themselves for successful re-engagement in the workforce.

Termination can be emotionally charged, but individuals have the right to make such decisions. This doesn't erase the human connection that was once shared. Shifting your mindset enables reaching out on special occasions or during festivals. Informal greetings help to open up, even if not immediately, but over time. If there's a specific reason for the termination, it's important to seek clarification without causing distress. As a coach, embody openness, curiosity, and authenticity, and be present in the moment to respond, even when past interactions may not have been ideal. This approach may lead to stronger bond in some cases. Whatever it takes we are first humans and this is normal it happens always you were not the first.