I have a friend who owns and operates a small company. Each time we get together, he never fails to tell me how fortunate he is to have a great business partner…how aligned they are on strategic matters and in making important operating decisions, how each of their skill sets seem to compliment the other, and on the high level of respect and trust that exists between the two of them. This is what I told my friend.
Effective partnerships don’t “just happen” as a result of people fortuitously bumping into each other. In fact, successful partnerships are the exception and not the rule. Individuals must acknowledge the capabilities they lack and the need for someone who possesses those strengths. They must seek out people whose core values align with their own then invest the time, energy and effort to build a relationship anchored by trust.
Great partnerships, like strong cultures, do not occur by accident. They require tremendous attention to the details, and the big stuff. The return on your investment, however, will far exceed your wildest expectations. As you reflect on this year and ponder the next, consider the “power of a great partnership.”
Be intentional about it…
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