A filter for professional collaborations

Between 2023 and 2024, I entered into 14 partnership conversations with people with whom we would either co-host events or run leadership educational programmes together. Of these, only two succeeded, making me realise the importance of having clear filters for whom we choose to explore synergies with.

After over 16 years of living in a country different from my country of origin, I learned that there are different depths of professional relationships you can establish with others.

Here is a framework to help you orient yourself towards better quality professional partnerships and more trusting work relationships.

a - Ability

Are they good at what they do? People that are good at what they often tend to play in position. A tech professional would do a lot of coding, a researcher would spend a lot of time collecting data and analysing patterns, and a podcaster would have a lot of conversations. Playing out of position eats away at your confidence. And it is more difficult to rely on someone who habitually plays out of position due to a lack of self-awareness or because they are still experimenting.

Tip # 1: Do you regularly play in position? Do they? Maybe the time is not quite right yet.

?b - Maturity

Are they easily triggered or put off during a disagreeable conversation? Emotionally mature people understand that others have different frames of reference and can sit in the discomfort of a disagreeable conversation. They do not run away, overreact, cut you off, or demonstrate any form of resentment.

Tip # 2: Surround yourself with emotionally mature people. They provide the stable foundation for a long-lasting partnership.

?c - Principled

One person might have an unbelievably high standard for quality, whereas the other may prioritise fast decisions and calculated risk taking. Although the two clearly differ in focus and values, there is a respectful appreciation for each other’s alignment with their respective value set. ?

Tip # 3: During a disagreement, do you get the benefit of the doubt? Or does it quickly escalate? Either directly or unhealthily indirectly?

??d - Consistency

Can they do a, b, c, over and again?

We do good work with, and through collaboration with, others. Unless you build a solid foundation first and you are honest about where you are with regards to each area, it is unlikely to last or be sustainable.

It was great being back in Dubai to facilitate leadership conversations in an immersive and intimate ambience of accelerated learning.

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