The R Myth
The e-myth (and e-myth Revisited), by Gerber, explores the basic myth of the entrepreneur, which is the notion that if you’re very good at something and very committed you can start a successful small business.
But, for the most part, individuals rarely start small businesses. Friends and families start businesses. This gives rise to what I call the r-myth, the relationship myth. This is the notion that people who demonstrably get along well in life can also get along well in business…. ‘taint necessarily so. The same issues that arise in marriage, love relationships and friendships show up in business. Let’s look at some of them.
One of the main things is that one of you swallows an issue because you don’t think it’s safe to bring it up. You don’t think it’s safe to bring up because you’re concerned that it might damage the relationship, but, as you’ll see, not bringing it up damages the relationship and the business. So the issue (no matter how minor) stays between you. The next time something similar happens, it adds to a now growing pile of unhandled issues. This garbage heap grows over time and eventually the stench gets both of you. Both in relationship and in the business.
So - forgetting about the kinds of issues - how can you raise a presumed damaging issue so that you can resolve it? Call this a teaser for the future. What are your notions here?
What are the kinds of issues that form the pile?
- Not sharing the work ‘fairly’
- Determining how decisions are made - particularly hiring and firing, but really, all decisions.
- Not seeming to do right by a prospect or customer
- Offering special pricing or services without unanimity
- Not being available
- Not being as organized, as structured, or as clean as…
The list can go on and on. Almost any win has an associated loss. You may notice that this conversation is not limited to businesses with relationships. People would rather pretend than confront and it doesn’t work.
Michael Lipp, The Professional Coach supports professionals to create new, exciting futures: He is also a multi-faceted author - His books include, “Less Stress, More Wealth” and “Guide to a Fulfilled Life”. You are invited to explore his blog, http://michaellipp.wordpress.com and his website http://www.michaellipp.com
Tags: partnership, working together
