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.