What are the best ways to manage difficult sales partners?

1 Set clear goals and boundaries

Before you enter into a sales partnership, make sure you have a clear agreement on the goals, roles, and responsibilities of each party. This will help you avoid misunderstandings, conflicts, and disappointments later on. You should also establish boundaries on how often and how you will communicate, how you will handle feedback and complaints, and how you will resolve disputes. Having these guidelines in place will help you maintain a professional and respectful relationship with your sales partner.

3 Focus on the benefits and solutions

When dealing with difficult sales partners, it can be easy to focus on the problems and challenges. However, this can lead to frustration, resentment, and negativity. Instead, try to focus on the benefits and solutions that the partnership can bring to both parties. Remind yourself and your sales partner of the common goals, values, and vision that you share, and how you can help each other succeed. Also, try to find win-win solutions that address the issues and satisfy both parties' interests.

4 Manage your emotions and expectations

Dealing with difficult sales partners can be stressful and emotional. You may feel angry, hurt, or disappointed by their behavior or actions. However, you should not let your emotions get the better of you or affect your performance. You should also not expect your sales partner to change their personality or style overnight. Instead, you should manage your emotions and expectations by being calm, rational, and realistic. You should also practice empathy and compassion, and try to understand their perspective and motivations.

5 Know when to end the partnership

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the partnership may not work out. The sales partner may be too difficult, demanding, or dishonest to work with. They may also breach the agreement, harm your reputation, or compete with you. In these cases, you may need to end the partnership before it causes more damage to your business. You should do this in a respectful and professional manner, and explain your reasons and terms. You should also protect your rights and interests, and seek legal advice if necessary.

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?