5 Tips to Improve Your Relationship with Your Business Partner
Today’s post is by Maureen Page.
Relationships with your business partner can be difficult. Or perhaps I should have started with “relationships with your spouse can be difficult.” Either relationship can prove to be challenging and when you combine them into one relationship the challenge can increase dramatically. Yet in many ways, the relationship you have with your boss and your spouse are very similar: you spend a lot of time with them, you depend on one another, and you have to work through difficult problems together. If it sounds like I know what I’m talking about it’s because I’ve been married to my business partner for several years.
Following is a list of tips that you can use to improve your relationship with your partner in 2011. This list applies equally well to your business partner, your spouse, or both!
- Give the Respect They Deserve
Your partner deserves respect. They have worked very hard alongside you to achieve your common goals. Sometimes familiarity breeds contempt as they say. It’s human nature to lose a little respect for someone when you get to know all of their little quirks and flaws. Show your partner respect
regardless as the respect that you show your partner will set the tone for how others will respect your
partner too.
- Appreciate Their Gifts and Accept Their Flaws
There is a reason that you joined with your partner to begin with. Recall what impressed you about your partner when you first met. Perhaps you were impressed by their intelligence, creativity, or sense of adventure. Those qualities are still there so look for them and encourage them. Conversely, don’t get hung up on their flaws. Do your best to offset each other’s strengths and weaknesses and appreciate the fact that you have a special relationship that works. Be your partner’s biggest fan!
- Be Honest
Being open and honest with your partner is critical to a good working relationship. Being honest with them first requires that you are completely honest with yourself. What are your strengths and weaknesses? What would you like to accomplish in 2011 and what do you see as your biggest
challenges to those goals? Talk to your partner about their challenges and concerns as well. Be clear about what you will need from your partner and find out what you can do for them.
- Establish A Shared Vision
Talk to your partner and establish a shared vision. What does success look like for you and your partner this year? Don’t assume that your partner’s vision is exactly the same as yours. Talk about it in as much detail as possible. How does success look? How do you want to feel and behave?
Working together towards a shared vision can have tremendous power.
- Enjoy the Little Things
Success isn’t all about accomplishing tasks, making money, or getting your child through school. Take time to enjoy your family and co-workers. Laugh often and have some fun. Whatever it is that makes you smile – make sure you have some of that in every day.
Working with your spouse can be very challenging and equally rewarding. Make sure your partner knows that you appreciate and respect them, and work together in 2011 towards a shared goal. You can also get the legalities sorted out when you form the partnership to avoid disputes.Have some fun along the way and you are sure to have the best year ever. Good luck!
