Expectation vs Standard in business partnership

Do you have expectations when you enter into a new partnership whether you are a foreign investor or local business partner in Africa?

 When we look for the meaning of expectation the definition given is "a strong belief that something will happen or be the case". If we dive in deeper, the definition of belief is "something one accepts as true or real; a firmly held opinion".

 A belief can be born from stories told in our environment/upbringing or our life experience. Since we, humans live in different environments and have different life experiences, we tell ourselves different stories therefore our believes and expectations are not the same.

 In global business partnerships what stories do you tell yourself? In other words what do you strongly believe will happen when you build a business partnership in a different environment than yours knowing that your actions will be aligned to what you accept as true or real in order meet your expectations?

 Let's imagine a situation where an investor looking to invest in Africa and a local business looking to partner with a foreign investor meet to discuss partnership. The two businesspeople coming from different culture have different believes therefore different expectations. If the parties do not meet each other's expectation, each party might put a lot effort to bring the business partner to what they accept as true or real. If the expectations are negative, there is a river of doubt between the parties and they probably are already exhausted before they even start the partnership discussion.

 When you enter into a new global partnership, I invite you to ask yourself if you have expectations. if yes, where do the stories you are telling yourself come from? What is the history between your country and your business partner’s country? What was taught from the history and does it have a role in your belief. What is told in the media? What is your local and global experience that has become the truth? Where do you need to open your mind to see things differently? 

 Your open mind understands that in the contrast of many things, new opportunities may show up and what really matters is the quality of your work and you get to set YOUR standards high.

 By setting YOUR standards high, not those created by your environment, you choose to work with partners who reach the same high quality of work. Business partners who have high standards are responsible of their choices and the collaboration they create; therefore, they will make sure they work with the right partners. 

When YOUR standards are met you build trustful partnerships.