How can you prevent conflicts due to different performance expectations?

1 Define your objectives

The first step to prevent conflicts due to different performance expectations is to define your objectives clearly and explicitly. What are you trying to achieve with your partnership? What are the specific outcomes, deliverables, or milestones that you want to reach? How will you measure your progress and success? Make sure you and your partner agree on these aspects and document them in a written agreement or contract. This will help you set a common direction and avoid confusion or ambiguity.

3 Adjust and adapt

The third step to prevent conflicts due to different performance expectations is to adjust and adapt to changing circumstances and needs. Partnerships are dynamic and complex, and you may encounter unexpected situations, opportunities, or problems along the way. Don't be rigid or stubborn about your original plans or assumptions. Instead, be flexible and willing to modify your expectations and actions based on new information, feedback, or demands. This will help you cope with uncertainty and complexity, as well as leverage your partner's strengths and resources.

4 Appreciate and acknowledge

The fourth step to prevent conflicts due to different performance expectations is to appreciate and acknowledge your partner's contributions and achievements. Don't take your partner for granted or focus only on the negative aspects of your collaboration. Instead, recognize and celebrate your partner's efforts, skills, and results. Express your gratitude, praise, or recognition verbally or in writing, and provide constructive and supportive feedback when needed. This will help you boost your partner's motivation and confidence, as well as foster a positive and respectful relationship.

5 Learn and improve

The fifth step to prevent conflicts due to different performance expectations is to learn and improve from your experience and feedback. Don't repeat the same mistakes or ignore the lessons from your partnership. Instead, reflect and evaluate your performance and satisfaction regularly and objectively. Identify what worked well and what didn't, and what you can do better or differently next time. Seek and implement feedback from your partner, as well as from other sources, such as customers, peers, or experts. This will help you enhance your skills and knowledge, as well as optimize your partnership.

6 Negotiate and compromise

The sixth step to prevent conflicts due to different performance expectations is to negotiate and compromise when you encounter disagreements or disputes. Don't avoid or escalate the conflict or impose your views or interests on your partner. Instead, listen and understand your partner's perspective and needs, and explain your own clearly and respectfully. Seek and propose solutions that are fair and beneficial for both parties, and be willing to give and take. This will help you resolve the conflict constructively and maintain a healthy and balanced partnership.