How can you communicate with your partner when you disagree on business strategy?

In my experience, we can do the following activities when in a disagreement with the partners- Choose the right time and setting: Select a suitable environment for private and open discussion. Focus on the issue, not personalities: Keep the conversation centered on business strategy rather than personal opinions. Seek common ground: Emphasize shared goals and interests to build a foundation for compromise. Present data and propose alternatives: Support your perspective with data and suggest alternative solutions to address concerns. Maintain professionalism and agree on a plan: Keep the discussion professional, be open to compromise, and establish a clear plan moving forward.

Getting in the habit of communicating and recommitting on strategy every quarter should help ease disagreements. Your strategy and needs won’t always align your partner’s but if you can find common ground and agree on the gives and gets based on the stated strategies it should help mitigate any future disagreements.

Disagreements with partners are part of the relationship and the only way to successfully navigate is to create a relationship of trust supported by success metrics that add data to any dispute or discussion. Partnerships should be a three way value prop, combined value to joint customers dictates partner roadmap. When I find myself in a partner disagreement, the first step is to walk through the intent of the partnerships in comparison to the current reality if it is close, most disagreements can be resolved. If intent and actuals substantially differ, back to step 1.

It's important to engage in open and honest dialogue.Actively listen to your partner's input and try to empathize with their position. Look for any contrasting assumptions, values, or priorities that may be at the root of the disagreement. Analyze the available data and evidence to pinpoint where the disparities in interpretation or analysis may lie. Reflect on any external factors, such as market conditions or industry trends, that might be influencing your differing viewpoints. It can also be helpful to consider each other's professional backgrounds and experiences to understand how they may be shaping your perspectives. By identifying the specific points of contention, you can better address and resolve the underlying issues.

When you and your partner don't agree on how to run the business, talking openly is really important. First, listen carefully to what each of you thinks without interrupting. Speak calmly and give examples to explain your ideas. Try to find places where you both agree and can make compromises. Remember, combining some of both ideas might be a good thing. Keep the focus on the business goals you both share, and figure out a solution that works for both of you. Talking regularly and respectfully is super important to handle differences and make sure your business partnership stays successful.

We have two ears and only one mouth. In partnerships it's important to spend more time listening to your partner vs. speaking. Conduct deep research prior to meetings and prepare questions that will help you unearth their needs, partnership plans, any pain points within the shorter and longer terms etc. Find out who the decision makers are and whether they have any conflicting priorities. Every meeting with a partner should be filled with your questions that focus on identifying their pain points. You may learn that you're not right fit for their challenges in which case it's best to agree on a mutually respectful separate path forward. Respectfully dissolving a partnership keeps the door open for future engagements and referrals.

Combining active listening with empathy allows you to truly connect with your partner, fostering a sense of respect and understanding in your communication.

Expressing your views clearly and respectfully involves articulating your thoughts in a straightforward manner while also being mindful to your partner's perspective.It's crucial to show respect for the other person's opinions, even if you disagree. Acknowledge their perspective and validate their right to hold their own views. Remember to engage in a two-way dialogue, allowing your partner an opportunity to respond and share their thoughts. Actively listen to their feedback and be open to considering their viewpoint, even if it differs from your own.