Interpersonal Business

The role of the manager and the role of the company are not the same. It’s easy to get caught up in doing what you’ve always done, but it’s time to detach yourself from the day-to-day oppressions; you can’t “do all and be all.” Start by delegating the least productive aspects of what you do. Hold a meeting with your staff to formalize your “new” role within the company, and announce your new role, along with a list of new contact personnel, to those with whom you will now work less. Focus on what’s really important personally and professionally. No one should want this more than you.

Giving casual advice over lunch is not the same as assisting parties whose objective is to gain personal or financial advantage from your expertise. First, establish the value of your time and expertise, and then address your established compensation rates early on. Several ways to approach your fees are: Hourly/Daily, Retainer, and Shared Risk/Shared Reward. Each has benefits and challenges, but each offers alternatives for professionally assisting others and dealing with those looking for a free ride.

Implementation of any initiative must be tailored to the culture of the organization. You must effectively translate your message to your staff to achieve success by first bringing heightened visibility to reality of your current perspective. Look for potential pitfalls early on; some may view your plan as self-serving. Your level of resolve and follow through will define the ultimate success of your initiative; it’s all about passionate commitment.

Partnerships arranged for one or more of the following reasons: capital, convenience or courage – are destined for failure. You must be sure your motives are consistent with those of the other players and leave nothing to doubt or misinterpretation. You must also have significant quantities of trust and integrity, as well as a significant product or service that creates benefit to the marketplace. Many principles of business partnerships are similar to a romantic partnership. Once the courtship is complete, either take the plunge or beat feet!