From bringing in capital to cover expenses like tech and senior living arrangements for high-level employees to highly useful soft skills, business partners can come in really handy. Still, some people simply have more polarizing opinions than others and while this certainly doesn’t make for the easiest business partner, there are certainly ways to keep things civil and productive. 

So here are 3 tips for collaborating with such a business partner. 

Establishing a Code of Conduct

Setting up a code of conduct is laying down the rules – you want everyone on the same page. This is pretty crucial when you’re teaming up with a polarizing partner because it means fewer chances of getting tangled up in misunderstandings and more chances of keeping things professional.

So, you want to gather all relevant collaborators to throw in their thoughts and create this code together so that everyone feels heard and invested. Think of it like a user manual with different sections – communication norms, respecting differences, conflict resolutions, and consequences. So the clearer, the better. 

After you’ve got your first draft, it’s time to discuss. Open up the floor for thoughts and suggestions. This part is really important – it’s the collective agreement moment that solidifies everyone’s commitment.

Defining Decision-Making Processes

Think of this like choosing the playlist on a road trip – you often need a clear DJ. Defining decision-making processes is crucial when you’re working with a polarizing partner. It means less confusion and smoother sailing.

Make it so that there’s a general discussion about the best decision-making methods – consensus, voting, or who takes the lead. It keeps things fair. Then, of course, it’s not enough to just talk about it. Write it down, make it official. Having a documented guide to decision-making gets rid of any “I thought we agreed on this” moments.

Then, it’s a good idea to remember that decision-making processes need regular checks. Make sure to review them periodically so that they stay effective and adapt to the changing dynamics.

Investing in Relationship Building

When you build a rapport with a polarizing partner, it means more trust and understanding, making the work smoother.

Think of things like a team-building retreat or interactive workshop – activities that make everyone loosen up. Shared experiences go a long way in smoothing out the rough edges of professional differences. Or, schedule informal one-on-one coffee chats. It’s not just about work; it’s about understanding the person beyond their professional role and so the casual setting makes it more genuine.

Another great idea is to celebrate victories together. Acknowledging collective achievements is like giving your teammate a virtual high-five. It reinforces the idea that despite differences, you’re all on the same winning team.

Maintaining a productive working relationship with a business partner – even one with divisive opinions – is not impossible. Consider these tips.