How can you identify partnership problems before they become major issues?

1 Communicate regularly

One of the most common causes of partnership problems is poor or inconsistent communication. When you don't talk to your partner regularly, you risk missing important information, creating misunderstandings, and losing trust. To prevent this, make sure you communicate frequently and clearly with your partner, using the channels and formats that work best for both of you. Share your goals, expectations, feedback, and concerns openly and respectfully. Listen to your partner's perspective and seek to understand their needs and challenges. Communication is the key to building and maintaining a healthy partnership.

2 Monitor performance

Another way to identify partnership problems is to monitor the performance of the partnership against the agreed-upon objectives and metrics. Are you and your partner meeting your targets, delivering quality work, and satisfying your customers? Are you both contributing equally and fairly to the partnership, in terms of time, money, and resources? Are you both following the terms and conditions of the partnership agreement? If you notice any gaps, discrepancies, or deviations in performance, you need to address them as soon as possible. Discuss the reasons for the problem, the impact on the partnership, and the possible solutions. Agree on a plan of action and follow up regularly.

3 Manage conflicts

Even in the best partnerships, conflicts are inevitable. They can arise from different opinions, preferences, styles, or values. They can also stem from external factors, such as market changes, customer complaints, or legal issues. The way you manage conflicts can make or break your partnership. Instead of avoiding or escalating conflicts, you need to resolve them constructively and collaboratively. Recognize the signs of conflict, such as tension, frustration, or resentment. Acknowledge the problem and express your feelings and needs. Listen to your partner's point of view and empathize with their emotions and interests. Negotiate a win-win solution that benefits both parties and preserves the partnership.

4 Seek feedback

A fourth tip to identify partnership problems is to seek feedback from your partner and other stakeholders. Feedback can help you evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your partnership, identify areas for improvement, and celebrate achievements. You can ask for feedback formally or informally, through surveys, interviews, meetings, or emails. You can also give feedback to your partner, recognizing their contributions, appreciating their efforts, and suggesting ways to enhance the partnership. Feedback is a valuable tool to improve your partnership and prevent problems from becoming major issues.

5 Learn and grow

Finally, you can identify partnership problems by learning and growing from your experiences. Partnerships are dynamic and evolving relationships that require constant adaptation and innovation. You and your partner need to keep learning from each other, from your customers, and from the market. You need to keep growing your skills, knowledge, and capabilities. You need to keep exploring new opportunities, challenges, and solutions. By doing so, you can identify potential problems before they arise, anticipate and respond to changing needs and expectations, and strengthen your partnership for the long term.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?