What is business partner coaching?

In business partner coaching, I support collaborative partners interested in investing in their professional relationship in order to be (even) better equipped at running their business. Why? Because collaborations can go wrong due to relationships. Such a pity, damaging to the company and unnecessary. Business agreements are made and legal matters are settled. Yet, the way you intend to work together is usually not discussed. Business partner coaching helps to avoid issues and hassle.

When is business partner coaching relevant?

You are planning a merger or a partnership

With an upcoming merger or collaboration, you will discuss in advance what is important to you in a partnership. For instance, how do you intend to deal with differences in approach and vision, how to organise the division of tasks, and what to do in case of conflicts? During this process, you will get to know each other better and share your ambitions, perspectives and working methods. You will make concrete agreements and will have the tools at your disposal to get to work yourself.

Your current collaboration is not going well

A number of factors may be at play, such as: unresolved issues or conflicts, postponed decisions or a lack of decision making all together. It is also possible that results are lacking or on the contrary that there is a sudden (strong) growth. The division of tasks may not be ideal, or the collaboration may be OK, but the sparkle is missing.

There may be a need to discuss sensitive issues. Business partner coaching makes it possible to do this in a constructive way. Learning to deal with differences in vision and approach is also a common issue. There may be divergent ambitions for the future of the company, for instance. Business partner coaching can provide the space and tools to find clarity on these matters.

How to manage impending changes

Finally, business partner coaching can help in situations where upcoming changes will call for decisions and will have an impact on the collaborative partnership: for example, termination or expansion of collaborations, take-overs, professionalisation, dismissals, new products, new markets, growth, etc. Likewise, life events may have an impact on the collaborative relationship. Think of, health problems, death, dismissal, fraud, for instance, or the departure of key players, negative feedback from customers, etc.

How does it work?

A process comprises 2 phases. Phase 1 is an inventory round. I identify the issues involved. This can be in writing or by conducting an interview. I will report back to you the results of this inventory, which will form the basis of the coaching plan. This coaching plan will clarify our focus and approach.

Phase 2 consists of the actual coaching.  A coaching programme consists on average of 6 sessions of 1.5 hours over the course of 6 months. Coaching takes place in your own work environment. The process is concluded with a final meeting in which we reflect on what has been achieved and how to sustain these achievements in the future. At the end of the coaching process, you will be able to manage and maintain full control over your collaboration.

What’s in it for you?

After the programme:

  • You will have gained insight into what works and what does not work in your collaboration;
  • you will be able to overcome differences and deal with conflict;
  • there is more understanding and mutual trust;
  • agreements have been clarified and decisions made;
  • it is normal to keep each other accountable;
  • you will have cleared the air and your collaboration will be ready for the future;
  • you are bubbling with ideas (again);
  • there is a shared vision for the future and ambitions are in alignment;

Do you have any questions or further interest? Please contact us for a no-obligation consultation.

Connecting Energy is internationally certified as an individual coach and team coach, works according to the competencies of the International Coaching Federation and adheres to their Code of Ethics.