The Silent Undercurrents That Break Great Partnerships

The Silent Undercurrents That Break Great Partnerships

Mostly, small business partnerships do not dissolve issues all of a sudden. In fact, they mostly disintegrate gradually, almost undetectably, until the damage is done irreparably.

Additionally, as frustrating as the obvious fights can be, the majority of the damage caused by the partners will be due to the unresolved frustrations that have developed over time.

These frustrations accumulate like dust in forgotten corners. That is, until finally someone remembers to clean them out.

When Communication Becomes Uncomfortable

All partnerships begin with an intent to communicate effectively. At some point, however, being honest becomes too uncomfortable.

Therefore, partners begin to soften their language. They suppress irritation and cease having authentic communications in order to maintain a friendly environment.

Unfortunately, polite silence does not equal alignment.

One partner feels overloaded. Another feels overlooked. Both assume the other knows what the other needs. Consequently, the once effective collaboration has turned into a guessing game.

Resentment Builds Behind the Scenes

Quiet disagreements typically surface before the parties involved acknowledge them. Before anyone realizes there is disagreement.

Quiet disagreements develop through subtle behavior changes.

For example, one partner ceases to contribute new ideas. Another stops asking for input. Decisions are made based on one partner’s preferences.

The meetings are now heavy with tension. Although the partnership is still functioning at its core, the energy between the two partners is gone.

The resentment builds quietly, and because it is not an obvious confrontation, both partners are inclined to disregard it.

However, the resentment does build and eventually cannot be ignored.

Fascinatingly, many business owners realize how toxic the resentment has grown and how destructive it can be when speaking with a mentor or even a law firm about ending their partnership.

At that time, the resentment had likely existed for months and possibly years.

Goals and Values are Moving Apart — But Nobody Realizes It

Individuals change over time. Goals change; people have different priorities at different points in time. One partner might be focused on rapid growth and aggressive expansion.

The other partner will be concerned with the sustainability of the business and keeping the business steady.

At first, the differing goals won’t cause the demise of the business. Instead, they’ll create small amounts of friction between the two partners.

Each partner believes that their way of doing things makes sense, and each one does not want to be seen as the unreasonable one.

So, all decisions are compromises.

Gradually, the small amounts of friction become irritation. Eventually the partnership begins to suffer because neither partner can comfortably say, “I think we’re looking for different futures.”

Unspoken Money Issues

Any successful partnership requires ongoing, open and honest discussions regarding finances. Many business owners avoid discussing money issues openly because it is unpleasant.

Who pays what percentage, and who receives the highest compensation? Who assumes the financial risk?

Because both partners are afraid of a confrontation, they do not discuss these important topics.

Ironically, avoiding these discussions leads to larger conflicts in the future. When the expectations of one partner differ from those of the other partner, assumptions are made.

Assumptions are nearly always incorrect.

Quiet Conflicts Are Sneaky, but Preventable

Quiet conflicts are hard to detect, but are preventable. All it takes is the willingness to communicate before the silence between you and your partner is greater than your partnership.

Do you think that silent undercurrents break great partnerships?

Sound off, below!

— Jennifer

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