What Successful Partnerships Know That Yours Might Be Missing

Motty Chen
Jan 11
4 min read

We all know running a business partnership can be a rollercoaster ride of balancing strengths, handling conflicts, and steering towards shared goals. If you're reading this, you likely already see the immense value in a coaching program designed to enhance your partnership. You understand the value of an aligned team that cares and supports each other, has trust among all members, and works together towards the same vision demonstrating the same values. How powerful could that be!

The tricky part? Getting your business partners on board.

Here's how you can make a compelling case for why investing in such a program is not just beneficial, but essential for your collective success.

Why a Coaching Program Is a Game-Changer

Before diving into the how, let’s recap why a coaching program can be transformative for business partnerships:

Building Trust: Open communication and vulnerability foster deep and resilient trust. When you trust your partners you eliminate all those checks and guards, you know that your interests are kept, your strengths are appreciated and your weaknesses are supported.
Self-Awareness: Partners gain insight into their own motivations, strengths, and areas for improvement, laying the groundwork for authentic collaboration. That provides clarity of the dos and don'ts, and help you focus on the right path for growth.
Aligned Leadership: Techniques like dynamic leadership rotation ensure that leadership aligns with each partner’s strengths and business needs. When all partners are sharing the same vision, are motivated by the same purpose, and demonstrate the same values, the power of the team increases exponentially instead of diminishing due to conflicts.
Strategic Growth: Clear goals, coupled with strategic anti-goals, keep the business focused and moving in the right direction. The decision making process is smooth and innovation is created, aimed to the same common vision.

The Risks of Not Investing in the Program

Stagnant Growth: Without continuous improvement, your partnership might hit a plateau.
Miscommunication: Unresolved conflicts and poor communication can lead to misunderstandings and frustration.
Misalignment: Divergent visions and leadership styles can pull the business in conflicting directions.
Burnout and Frustration: Without proper support and strategy, partners risk burnout, jeopardizing both personal well-being and business success.

Real-Life Examples: Success and Failure Stories

Success Story: Procter & Gamble

Procter & Gamble (P&G) faced challenges with leadership misalignment, leading to inefficiencies and delays in executing critical projects. They invested in a tailored coaching program that helped leaders sharpen their decision-making and align with the company’s global strategy1. The result was greater clarity and collaboration among leaders, smoother project execution, and a positive impact on financial performance.

Failure Story: General Electric (GE)

General Electric (GE) experienced a decline in innovation and competitiveness. Despite recognizing the need for improvement, they chose not to invest in a structured coaching program1. This led to ongoing conflicts, misalignment in leadership, and stagnant growth. Without the support and strategic planning provided by coaching, GE struggled to maintain its market position and failed to thrive1.

Strategy to Convince Your Partner

So how could you approach your partners and get a buy-in?

Here’s a simple yet powerful strategy to persuade your partner:

Start with Empathy:
Approach the conversation with empathy and understanding. Acknowledge your partner's concerns and reservations.
Example: "I fully understand why you think that this program is not a priority right now, there are so many projects we have to finish, and our resources are limited".
Highlight Personal and Business Benefits:
Share personal stories or hypothetical scenarios illustrating how each partner and the business can benefit from the program. Example: "I have been in this situation before, and lack of clarity literally took us down. I didn't sleep at night and avoided talking about so many subjects that could have benefitted the company, just to avoid an argument".
Use Real-Life Examples:
Present the success and failure stories to show tangible outcomes. Use data and testimonials if available.
Example: "I know of a company with three brothers partnership, they started great and had a great product. They were so concentrated on promoting this product that they forgot the purpose of their business and failed to innovate and demonstrate that purpose. They are still in business but in 10 years they didn't grow".
Focus on Risk Management:
Emphasize how the program helps mitigate risks of stagnation, conflicts, and burnout.
Example: "Having clarity on the values we demonstrate and the \why' behind the services we offer, will provide us a clear path for innovation and growth in the right direction aimed towards the same type of clients we have".
Propose a Trial Period:
Suggest a trial period for the program to demonstrate its value without a long-term commitment.
Example: "We don't have to start with a big commitment and long-term program. Let's start with the essential and see how it benefits us".
Involve a Third-Party Advocate:
If possible, involve a mentor or another trusted advisor who can provide an unbiased perspective on the benefits.
Example: "I know of a good coach who specializes in business partnerships. are you willing to have a candid conversation with him? He may be able to address your concerns and explain the benefits better than I do".
Offer to Share the Load:
Assure your partner that you’re willing to take on additional responsibilities to ease the transition into the program.
Example: "I know it is going to take some time from us, but because I am so convinced this is going to benefit us I am willing to put in some extra hours and help you with your workload".
Prepare to Listen and Adapt:
Be ready to listen to your partner's feedback and adjust the plan if needed. Collaboration and flexibility are key.

Closing Thoughts

Remember, the goal is to work with your partner, not against them. By focusing on the mutual benefits and addressing their concerns with empathy and evidence, you can make a compelling case for investing in a business coaching program.

Your partnership’s success lies in continuous growth, aligned visions, and effective communication. So, take that step together and unlock the full potential of your collaboration.

Ready to transform your partnership? 🌟

Let’s make it happen!