Owning a business with another person means that you and that other person have to be able to work together. When you started the business, you probably had a shared vision and skillsets that complemented each other. Unfortunately, partnerships can sometimes turn sour, even if they’ve worked for a long time.
When you and your business partner don’t see eye to eye, the focus becomes finding ways to work past the topic of the dispute. These tips may be beneficial as you work toward that goal.
1: Active listening may be beneficial to resolve a partnership dispute
Both partners must commit to listening to each other. If the dispute is in an area where one partner has more experience, the other partner must be able to listen to hear what the more knowledgeable person has to say and the reasoning behind their thoughts.
2: Handing the dispute privately can benefit the company
Partnership disputes can greatly disrupt the business, so taking them away from the company is often beneficial. You and your partner should talk about the matter behind closed doors or away from the business. This can help to provide more stability to the company while you settle the dispute.
3: Some disputes must be handled through the court system
Disputes may have to be handled in court. This is the case if one partner is engaging in illegal or unethical activities at work.
It’s critical to take a proactive stance to help protect the company when this occurs. It may behoove you to consult with someone who can assist with resolving the dispute and protecting the business.