IntentionalBusinessPartnerships

Today the proof is in…it´s official.  I´m nothing without Christy.  My partner knows how to get 6 agenda items done - complete, finished, in 60 minutes.   I, on the other hand, ADDED 3 items and got stuck in a circular conversationwith myself on point 1.2.1…..  Until she pulled me out - no, gently lifted me forward.  Whatever!  It worked and I´m so grateful.  We both love the creative time we spend together.  That one hour boosted my confidence, enthusiasm level and productivity for the whole week.  Lest you think I don´t appreciate my contribution - today I was brilliant as well, in my own way!  For once, prepared - and having thought through our challenges, insightful and making connections.  What could be better than that?  I´d like to know - somebody, tell me!

I just can’t help thinking it - so I have to say it. (And believe me, I love men.) Women make extraordinary business partners. Not all women, mind you - not all the time. But the evidence is out there. The “yin” that a woman brings to a business partnership makes it whole. The opposing effects of yin yang keep things interesting - insure a debate, the genesis of synergy. Yin yang are rooted together and the source of all rebirth. That’s how innovation and creativity are kept alive. The phases of partnership are enhanced by the presence of yin yang as each advance is complemented by a retreat, every rise transforms into a fall. When women and men partner - the hidden, subtle yin is there to balance the obvious, clear yang. Just another reason for each partner to be aware of his/her own wholeness - that is, the yin yang in each of each. Let’s learn to play with the potential to create astounding business results and strong, long-lasting relationships - doing business together - yin yang.

Do you know why I advocate for partnerships so much?  My top reason is because I have such high regard for my partners and miss them when they’re not around.  I’ve been busy with my individual work and contribution this week.  I’ve been productive and focused and the fruits of my “alone” time will be profitable for the business.  But I’m ready to share - to expose my great ideas to the rigors of my partners’ critical eyes and to tap into her thinking.  And I can’t wait to hear how Mélida´s  meeting with some potential jv partners went.  I´m anxious to hear Christy´s voice and report on our first big “sale” - and Giselle owes me an update on her commitment to clarify the expectations of a disgruntled collaborator.  I miss you!  Hurry back.

When I’m not working with my coaching clients, I’m often delivering Crucial Conversations training for corporate clients around the world.  Executives and managers learn the vital skills that highly influential leaders have been proven to master.  When a crisis comes up in a partnership, it most likely stems from a crucial conversation the partners have not held or not held well.  On Tuesday a business owner called for an emergency coaching session - her partner accused her of  “stealing” clients and redirecting the work to other collaborators.  My client was furious, indignated and hurt - all at once.  Her question to herself, “What should I do?”  Before going there, we agreed it would effective and empowering for her to ask herself, “What do I want for myself from the conversation?  What do I want for my partner?  What do I want for the relationship?”  A wise businessman was quoted as saying, “I’ve often grown to regret the times I’ve lashed out and hurt someone.  I’ve never regretted  the times I’ve treated another with respect.”   By stepping back and asking the 3 key questions you gain perspective, refocus your energy and clarify your intention.  All good things when it comes to successfully managing a partnership crisis.

I feel like I’ve got the best partner in the world.  She’s creative, upbeat, responsive and responsible - not to mention smart and really good at what she does.  The reason she’s a good fit for me, though, is something else.  She has what I don’t have.  She keeps good notes, stays on track when I’m wandering and makes me see the light side of everything we do.  As I was working with a client today, I realized how dangerous it is to have this narrow view of our partnership - even though it’s a good start.  What are the things that NEITHER OF US do well and that are mission-critical for our business?  What are the things that we CAN do well, but don’t WANT to do well - that are mission-critical for our business?  We need to put this information on the table and decide together how to fill in the gaps!