This week has been a great one at AdmiralBridge. We’ve just wrapped up the development of our new Workplace Violence Tracking Module, a crucial addition to our software suite aimed at helping organizations maintain safer, more compliant workplaces. Now, we’re moving into the next phase: creating instructional videos and documentation for our customers. But what stood out most in this process was the feedback we received from the industry. It’s a reminder of why we build software in the first place: to solve real problems and meet real needs.

Hearing directly from customers has been the most encouraging part of this development cycle. When you build products in a vacuum, it’s easy to lose sight of the end goal. But when you involve the people who will use the tool, you gain invaluable insights that can take your solution from good to great. We’re excited to share this new module with you and eager to hear your thoughts on where we should go next. If you haven’t had a chance to provide your feedback yet, reach out, we’d love to show you what we’ve built and hear your perspective.

Two Reels, One Insightful Lesson

Apart from our development milestones, my Instagram feed offered an unexpected source of wisdom this week. I came across two videos that, while seemingly unrelated, left me with a unified takeaway on handling conversations effectively, whether in business or personal interactions.

Disrupt Unproductive Conversations

The first video presented a set of questions designed to disrupt unproductive conversations and redirect them toward progress:

1. What would you suggest to resolve the issue?

  • This question shifts the responsibility back to the person expressing frustration. It challenges them to go beyond complaining and contribute a solution, making the conversation more constructive.

2. What would it take for you to agree with the current direction?

  • This follow-up question narrows the focus, encouraging the other person to identify specific concerns instead of general discontent. It’s a way of finding common ground and addressing the most pressing issues directly.

3. Can you live with whatever the decision is? 

  • We often waste time debating minor details. This question refocuses the conversation on the bigger picture and asks if we can collectively accept the decision and move forward, even if it’s not perfect.

Supportive Conversations

The second video took a different approach, offering advice on how to support a friend or colleague going through a tough moment:

1. Allow them to ‘take an emotional breath’.

  •  The creator suggested taking the time to inquire deeply and listen. This space lets the person vent and express their concerns fully, without interruption.

2. What is the main problem you are facing?

  •  After they’ve had a chance to vent, this question helps distill the conversation into a concrete, identifiable issue. It brings clarity to a situation that might initially seem overwhelming.

3. How can I help? or What does support look like for you?

  • Finally, offering help or support directly shows that you’re willing to be part of the solution rather than just a passive listener.

A Common Thread: Moving from Complaints to Constructive Action

What struck me most about these two videos was the common approach they both advocate: giving space for expression, identifying the core issue, and moving towards actionable steps. In both scenarios, whether dealing with workplace friction or offering support to a friend, the key is to help the other person transition from vague frustration to specific, tangible steps toward resolution.

In our work at AdmiralBridge, this lesson resonates deeply. Whether we’re developing a new feature, responding to customer feedback, or addressing internal challenges, it’s crucial to allow space for concerns to be expressed, seek clarity on the real problem, and then collaboratively work towards a solution. This method isn’t just about managing conflict; it’s about building trust, fostering collaboration, and ultimately making better decisions.

Conclusion: Building Together, Moving Forward

This week has reinforced something fundamental about how we approach our business: we don’t build solutions alone. It’s a process of co-creation with our customers, listening, learning, and iterating based on real-world needs. Just like in those two videos, our goal is to listen first, distill the real issue, and then take meaningful action.

So, as we continue to grow and refine our products, we remain committed to this approach. We’re here to listen, to adapt, and to build something that not only solves problems but does so in a way that feels collaborative and responsive. After all, it’s the conversations we have and the feedback we receive that guide us forward.