When a business partnership begins to breakdown one of the issues that is often unresolved is one of 'control'. Control is an important issue for a business. For some personality types they simply cannot function without a significant amount of control.

Often I have heard one of the partners say, "Why are you trying to change me?" or "I am here earlier and stay later than you! Now you are going to tell me that I am not pulling my weight?"

Good Intentions Do Not Pay The Bills

These are just a few excerpts from conversations between partners that I have overheard. Now you might be thinking, "Wow, what a dysfunctional bunch!" you might be right, but what you need to remember about 'partnerships' is that both parties comes to the table with the best of intentions. But intentions will not pay your bills or help you solve your business problems.

However, communication or the lack of it and the baggage that each person brings to the table can easily cause fractures in the relationship or at least the quality of communication. That is where the beginning of the end starts.

But stop, I am getting ahead of myself.

In the beginning each partner comes to the table with a 'dream' or 'vision' of what is possible to attain by working together in the business as partners. How can you tell if 'control' will become an issue in your partnership?

Look At Your Business 'Partners' Personal History

People do not typically change personal habits and behaviors, at least not quickly or easily. I have told employers interviewing candidates that "What you see is what you get! " People always put on a their Sunday best and best foot forward when going to a job interview. So if you do not like what you see in the interview, do not hire the person. Because thinking that you can change or modify their behavior is not realistic.

Everyone resists change. Some more than others. The same is true of a business owner. If there are personality traits, behaviors and quirks that disturb you or there is just something that 'bothers' you. Do not proceed. I have found that most often that internal alarm clock we all have is pretty accurate.

Take a close look at your partners lifestyle, marriage and work history. Interview them just like you would any other employee. Check references, speak to former managers and really ask probing questions. Do not be timid about asking questions. Ask them specifically about control, conflicts or negative traits they have observed.

You want to know strengths, weaknesses and potential problems upfront. That way you can discuss them with your potential partner and make an informed decision.

If your prospective business partner has issues with your approach (asking for references, work history) that should give you pause about entering into a long term business venture.

Beware The Opportunity Blinders

It is so easy to become so personally invested and committed to an idea that you loose sight of the obvious. Like when a business opportunity (i.e. partnership) seems to line up so well with your own personal goals - beware! To the degree that you really, really want something -- you begin to loose your objectivity.

In a business partnership people tend to trust each others judgment in making decisions. The other thing that happens is when one partner has concerns or fears regarding a business decision or situation and the other partners is so confident that it can seem to neutralize the opposing partners opinions and concerns. The real danger is the weaker partner caves to the sense of 'certainty' the other partner exhibits.

What should really happen in a partnership is the healthy exchange of differing opinions. Both sides taking the time to seriously consider the merits of each other's viewpoint. Then coming together to make a 'business decision' absent of emotion and personal agendas.

A Friend Or Advisor

I strongly recommend taking time to share your 'partnership' situation and decision with someone who knows you well and can give you impartial feedback and observations. However, there is one very important thing to remember! Listen to them! Do not ask for advice and feedback if you are not prepared to honestly consider what is being shared.

When you really want something badly, it is so easy to dismiss their opinions and feelings. If you do dismiss the advice from the person that you asked -- you are likely ignoring something very important about your own intuition, personality or character. If you continue to ignore it - you do so at your own peril. This could be a great opportunity for personal growth or it could be a 'red flag' trying to get your attention.

Take your time, slow down. Make your decision to enter into a partnership slowly. Try working together with the partner on a tempoary, small project or opportunity. It will give you chance to experience what it is 'actually' like to work with them.

Actions You Can Take To Protect Yourself

I am not saying partnerships are good or bad. Some partnerships work quite well. I just have not personally seen many that were truly effective.

Should you decide to enter into a partnership, make sure you have written processes and methods for sharing 'control' and resolving disputes. Make sure you have a partnership (legal) agreement that documents each partners contribution and how you will deal with irreconcilable differences. There are a number of articles in our "Legal" section discussing the "Legal issues of business" including the whole partnership. shareholder issue.

No matter how much you think you like and respect the other person I promise you that conflicts will arise. When those conflicts involve money and relationships, emotions can rise to the surface that can be a distraction to the business and in some cases be the catalyst to terminate the relationship or business.

Let me know if there is anything I can do to help you. Good luck!