On Monday we wrote about the Partnership Factor – making it better through making you better. Today we offer ideas on how to help you help make your business partnership better.
We start by asking you to take an objective look at yourself. Why, because we have seen far too many partnerships suffer from self-deceit (a perpetuated lack of awareness or justification and entitlement around one’s not so helpful or poorly received behaviors). And once we get into a self-righteous position, it is hard to get off it and the longer we are there, the more entrenched and distorted our perspective becomes.
So here are our ideas to avoid making a decision you may regret:
1. Gather the facts. What is the evidence for your perceptions? Never use generalized language such as: my partner doesn’t support me; my partner has no business sense. Always ask – what is the evidence? How do I know? Without the facts, without evidence, you have nothing but personal (and sometimes offensive) emotionally charged opinion that will make the situation only worse and perhaps unrepairable.
2. Assess your own situation – again, using evidence
a. How do you contribute to the current issue?
b. How supportive are you?
c. What are the consequences of dissolving the partnership or removing a partner – on you, your other partners (if there are any) and on your business? (as compared to the benefits of managing and trying to improve the partnership— be clear on the cost/benefit factor)
3. Ask a trusted advisor and be open to hearing their observation even (or especially) if it reveals that you have work to do also.
4. Talk it out with your partners. Let them know your concerns and why you feel the way you feel – again using only objective evidence and as it relates to performance and your key business objectives. This dialogue will entail “healthy conflict”. Be prepared, be open and don’t attack. Focus on the goal for the partners to share their perspectives on what’s not working, the implications and establish common ground to move forward from.
5. Seek help
a. If the partnership is important, if the business is important and there is no observable evidence that there is an issue (other than your perception) it could be beneficial for you to seek outside help in the form of a business advisor and or a coach
b. Even if there is evidence that there is a need for improvement, and outside advisor can provide objective support
Some partnerships may need to be dissolved; they don’t work. And that’s fine as long as you have sincerely assessed it and have clearly anticipated the implications. Like any relationship, partnerships have their ups and downs. Don’t make the mistake of making an emotional decision. You may end up regretting it – and your customers may also.
©2010 Kubica & LaForest
