You’re working with a partner who’s not pulling their weight. How can you get them to step up?

1 Communicate your expectations

The first step is to communicate your expectations clearly and respectfully to your partner. Let them know what you need from them, why it matters, and how it will benefit both of you. Be specific about the tasks, deadlines, and standards you agree on, and document them in writing. Avoid blaming, accusing, or criticizing your partner, and instead focus on the positive outcomes you want to achieve together.

2 Provide feedback and support

The second step is to provide feedback and support to your partner regularly. Praise them for their efforts and achievements, and acknowledge their challenges and difficulties. Offer constructive criticism and suggestions for improvement, and ask for their input and feedback as well. Be open to listening and learning from your partner, and show them that you value their perspective and contribution. Provide them with the resources, tools, and guidance they need to succeed, and offer to help them if they are struggling.

3 Address the issues and consequences

The third step is to address the issues and consequences if your partner is still not pulling their weight. Try to understand the root causes of their poor performance, and see if you can help them overcome them. Maybe they are facing personal or professional problems, lack the skills or confidence, or have different priorities or goals. If so, try to empathize, support, and motivate them to change. However, if they are simply lazy, dishonest, or irresponsible, you need to set boundaries and consequences. Let them know how their behavior is affecting you, the partnership, and the clients, and what will happen if they don't improve. Be firm but fair, and follow through with your actions.

4 Seek external help or advice

The fourth step is to seek external help or advice if the issues and consequences are not enough to get your partner to step up. You may need to involve a third party, such as a mentor, coach, mediator, or lawyer, to help you resolve the conflict or protect your interests. Depending on the nature and severity of the situation, you may also need to consider renegotiating, restructuring, or terminating the partnership. This may be a difficult and painful decision, but sometimes it is the best option for both parties.

5 Focus on your own performance and goals

The fifth step is to focus on your own performance and goals, regardless of your partner's behavior. Don't let their actions or inactions affect your quality of work, your reputation, or your satisfaction. Keep doing your best, and pursue your own professional development and growth. Look for opportunities to learn new skills, network with other partners, and expand your market. Remember why you started the partnership in the first place, and what you want to achieve from it.

6 Evaluate and improve your partnership

The sixth step is to evaluate and improve your partnership on a regular basis. Review your progress, results, and feedback, and celebrate your successes and milestones. Identify your strengths and weaknesses, and look for ways to improve your collaboration, communication, and efficiency. Seek feedback from your partner, clients, and other stakeholders, and implement changes as needed. Keep the lines of communication open, and maintain a respectful and trusting relationship with your partner. A healthy and productive partnership requires constant effort and commitment from both parties.

7 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?