You're navigating a partnership. How do you determine if your communication skills are effective?

Effective communication in partnerships becomes evident when mutual understanding and progress are achieved. I recall a project where we set clear goals and regular check-ins, and our ability to adapt and address concerns promptly led to a successful outcome. Listening actively and ensuring alignment at every step were key indicators that our communication was working

In my experience, active listening is essential for successful partnerships. Simply nodding along isn’t enough; true engagement is key. During a negotiation for EasyWeGo's eSIM services, I found that paraphrasing my partner's concerns helped me address their needs more effectively. Repeating back what the other party says in my own words ensures that I understand correctly and clarifies any misunderstandings early on. This approach not only demonstrates attentiveness but also builds trust—a crucial element in a startup like ours. When partners feel genuinely heard and valued, it strengthens the relationship. If you can sense this, your active listening is likely effective.

You have two ears and one mouth for a reason, listening is one of the most key skills in partnerships. Your goal is to find a common ground that help create a 1+1=3 equation. Listening actively is where you uncover the good and the bad to help you continuously improve on your ways of working to get you to the results you want

Feedback is a gift and if used correctly can help make or break your partnerships program. Establish clear communication processes, listen more than you speak and ask for feedback to understand what's working and what's not working. Make sure you create a process for Feedback on a regular basis to ensure nothing falls through the cracks

In my experience, continuous feedback is crucial in partnerships. During a project with our taxi booking partners, I initiated regular check-ins to gather input on our communication. Encouraging both positive and negative feedback has been particularly helpful, as it fosters growth and adjustment. For example, when our partners suggested streamlining our communication methods, we implemented those changes, leading to more efficient collaboration. If your partner feels comfortable providing feedback and you can adjust accordingly, it's a strong sign of effective communication. Establishing these feedback loops keeps both parties aligned and allows the partnership to evolve smoothly.

2 thoughts: 1. Make it easy for them to provide feedback in whatever way is most natural to them. Have you shared your email, phone, socials? Do you have a shared Slack channel setup with the partner? Feedback doesn’t have to be from a formal survey or some NPS score tool alone. 2. Don’t be afraid to ask directly to test the effectiveness of your communications. For example, after giving a sales enablement presentation to a partner I might ask people directly to articulate the key message or to explain in their own words how they would describe the joint value proposition of the partnership to a prospective mutual customer. Quick instant feedback to test if they’ve absorbed what I’m trying to communicate.

In my experience, non-verbal cues can often speak louder than words, especially in high-stakes negotiations. During a discussion about expanding our workspace booking services, I noticed a partner’s body language becoming closed off. I’ve found that paying attention to these subtle signals reveals more than words alone. By mirroring positive gestures and maintaining open, confident body language, I was able to re-engage the partner and move the conversation forward. If your partner’s non-verbal cues are positive and align with your own, it’s a strong indication that your communication is effective. This alignment fosters a comfortable environment for open and honest dialogue.

In my experience, how you handle conflict can make or break a partnership. One time at work, we faced a disagreement with a partner over pricing for our eSIM services. One thing that I have found helpful is focusing on the issue, not the person, and working together to find a solution. By keeping the conversation solution-oriented and not letting emotions take over, we were able to reach an agreement that satisfied both sides. If conflicts in your partnerships are resolved amicably and lead to growth rather than lingering resentment, it's a strong indicator that your communication skills are effective. Being able to navigate these tough situations smoothly shows that you’re capable of maintaining a healthy and productive partnership.

In my experience, clarity and brevity are crucial in fast-paced environments like a startup. One time at work, during a partnership meeting, I noticed that my detailed explanations were causing confusion. One thing that I have found helpful is simplifying my communication and focusing on the key points. By doing so, our discussions became more efficient, and decisions were made faster. If your partner rarely needs to ask for clarifications and actions are taken promptly, it's a sign that your communication is clear and concise. This approach not only saves time but also ensures that everyone is on the same page, which is essential for the success of any partnership.

In my experience, follow-up actions are a true test of effective communication. One time at work, after a critical meeting with a shared workspace provider, I made sure to send a clear summary and action points. One thing that I have found helpful is immediately confirming the next steps and deadlines, which helps prevent any misunderstandings. When both parties promptly follow through on what was discussed, it’s a strong indication that the communication was clear and successful. If your meetings consistently lead to accurate and timely implementation of tasks, your ability to communicate within the partnership is likely very effective. This reliability builds trust and strengthens the partnership over time.