Sticky Situations: Partnership Gone South

You meet someone who is highly recommended by a colleague.

As you get to know each other it seems as though you share the same philosophies about collaboration, clients, and conducting business.

Your businesses are a perfect complement so you enter into a partnership and jointly work with your first client.

Early in the relationship your partner starts to get territorial. It’s “their way or the highway.”

You try to identify how you might be contributing to the issue. You try to adapt your style. It doesn’t help.

You discuss the issue with your partner, but they don’t see it. In fact, they think these discussions are a testament to your fine working relationship - you two can talk about the tough issues and resolve them. But, they’re not getting resolved, just avoided or ignored.

And, they’re getting worse!

It’s starting to impact the client. They’re not just disregarding you. They’ve started acting this way toward the client.

Now what do you do?

Other Sticky Situations

Sparing Feelings or Being Cruel?

Eavesdropping?

Managing Your Boss

To Call or Not to Call

Comments

[ann michael]

I agree. I'd probably also reconsider my "evaluation process". I would bet that I probably saw red flags early and for one reason or another chose to ignore them.

Something else to consider is only working on shorter term projects with new partners until you get to know them. This way if there is an issue the end is in sight.

Another thing might be to only work with a new partner on business you acquire together - so if there is an issue you're not exposing your existing client base to it.

More ideas, anyone???

[Mary Schmidt]

Having been in similar situations - I'd do my best to fast track the project and get it done. Then, never, ever do another deal with the "partner."

As for the client, document everything out the wazoo so things are very clear with everyone.