24 Sep Key to Partnership Success: Talking it Out
A healthy partnership is does not mean the partners are always in a placid state of agreement. Disagreements are normal and natural in healthy partnerships. Words can be exchanged and tempers frayed. Whether or not it’s just a difference of opinion or an argument, partners need to talk things out.
Someone has to initiate the “talking it out” conversation. It might as well be you! That’s one way you bring added value to your partnership. You provide an opportunity to create mutual understanding, respect, and problem solving. Your conversation might go something like this:
“I don’t know if you feel like I do, but I think we both got off track when we were talking about our compensation plan. I know I saw things differently than you and probably didn’t do a great job taking the time to hear you out. I also felt you weren’t open to what I was saying. I want you to know that I am committed to finding some common ground and I think you are too. We might want to take another go at our compensation plan and try to talk it out. What do you think? Should we set up a time to talk or do you think we need a break?”
Bottom Line
- Don’t let problems fester.
- Open up a “talking it out” conversation.
- Initiate the talk by setting the stage and acknowledging your part in the disagreement.
- Let your partner know you are committed to finding a common ground.