Asking the Hard Questions
As the pandemic hit, I observed two primary scenarios play out: 1) Owners scrambling to gather details to apply for grants and loans with their HR Directors on speed dial. 2) Business owners who calmly pulled reports, analyzed the situation, and took immediate steps to course correct. It seemed chaotic for many businesses and calm for others. Why so different? The calm business owners have set a clear direction for their company with everyone pulling in that direction. They analyzed what was needed and provided clear, concise, and frequent communication to employees and business partners (attorneys, accountants, bookkeepers, etc.). In those companies where chaos ensued it was primarily due to lack of clarity in direction, expectations and communication before the pandemic.
If you fell into the ‘chaotic’ category, you may have discovered the need to find a business partner. This requires you to ask yourself some thought provoking questions, to determine, the ‘whys’ so you have clear sight of your vision. Some of the answers to the questions may make you squirm a bit however a little squirming now is better than more chaos later.
Assess what you need.
Why didn’t you get the results you needed from the business partner? Define your needs to start a conversation with the current business partners. If you can’t state your needs, it may be hard for a business partner to do their part.
Communicate those needs with your business partners/set expectations.
Why do you have these specific needs? It is important to be clear with your business partner, by defining the purpose of your needs, how your vision of success depends on the needs being met. Allow your business partner to add to the path. Their experience should be a great asset to you. If the goal is clear to all, the need is fulfilled, and expectations are met.
Measure if you are getting what you need.
Why is it important to measure your results? Your business partners work on your behalf to help achieve your goals. You should know the results are being achieved with measurable results. Discuss with your partners, the best way to measure the results for your company.
Hold yourself and your business partners accountable to the expectations.
Why do you feel your current business partner is or is not the right fit for you? Why would a new business partner be better than the last? My dad used to say, ‘When you point the finger at someone else, there are 4 more pointing back at you.’ Was the professional you were working with, 100% at fault, or were there areas in the relationship that you dropped the ball on? Defining those roles will minimize miss queued direction and action.
Many of the calls and requests I receive, come to me out of desperation. In any business, we need to know what is expected of us, from the start. We cannot fulfill obligations if we do not know the requirements and boundaries.
As a business partner, we might be the ones asking the Why questions, if we want to create the best results. If you are looking for different results, come to the table with your needs, expectations, and what your commitment will be in this relationship. The goal will be easier to achieve with everyone pulling in the same direction.