A practical guide to handling underperforming business partners without destroying friendships
Hey everyone,
I got a great question from one of my students recently that I know many of you can relate to. It's about dealing with a business partner who just isn't pulling their weight – and it's causing major frustration.
The Problem: When Partnership Becomes Babysitting
Here's what my student wrote:
"Hey Dan, I need some advice. I'm working with a partner, but lately I've been feeling like we might not be on the same page. He's a great guy, really, and we have been friends for a long time, but there are tasks that need to be done and he's not doing them. For example, calling real estate agents – a task we're both supposed to do. He says he will do it, but in practice it doesn't happen. I constantly have to follow up with him to check if it's actually got done. I feel like I'm constantly having to remind him to do things, and that puts me in a position I don't want to be in."
Sound familiar? Let me break down what's really happening here.
The Real Issues (And They Might Surprise You)
Issue #1: There's No Such Thing as Shared Responsibility
First off, let's get one thing straight: There is no such thing as a task that two people are responsible for. There is only ONE person responsible for each job. Never two.
When you say "we're both supposed to call real estate agents," you've already set yourself up for failure. Only one person can be responsible for a task. It doesn't mean they have to physically do it – they can delegate – but there's only one person accountable for making sure it gets done.
Issue #2: Fear Disguised as Hope
Your main problem here is fear disguised as hope. You're hoping that one day he'll just start doing what he's supposed to do. You're hoping things will magically change.
But behind that hope is fear – fear of confrontation, fear of losing him as a partner, and probably fear of losing him as a friend. This creates needy, people-pleasing behavior that's killing your business.
Issue #3: You Created This Monster
Here's the harsh truth: This is on you. You didn't set clear expectations. You didn't create a clear structure for your partnership. You let this run wild for probably a long time, and now you're frustrated.
You're confusing friendship with business accountability. You're bringing too much emotion into something that should be relatively rational. We're talking about real estate here – it's just business.
The Solution: 4 Steps to Fix This Partnership Problem
Step 1: Detach Yourself
You are way too attached to this guy. And detachment isn't a bad thing – it's necessary.
You are two separate people, always. It doesn't matter if he's your business partner, your mom, your girlfriend, or your wife. You are always two separate people.
To you, he might be a friend. But to your business, he's an employee. And you're an employee too. You both work inside the business, even though you own it.
Step 2: Have ONE Honest Conversation
Set expectations clearly. Talk about consequences. And the consequences don't have to be harsh like "I'm leaving the partnership." They can be simple: "If you don't do this, we won't be able to provide what we need to provide."
Most importantly: Tell him, "I am not going to remind you anymore." And then be accountable to that statement.
Step 3: Document Everything
What exactly does "calling real estate agents" mean?
- How many dials?
- What days?
- What time of day?
- How many times per week or month?
Get specific. Document exactly what needs to be done. There are probably more tasks than just calling agents, right?
Step 4: Make Backup Plans
Right now you feel like you need this guy, and you don't have backup plans for critical tasks. Find other people who can do these critical tasks.
If calling real estate agents is critical to your business, find someone else who can do it. Why? Because you're accountable for the business, and without these tasks, there is no business.
The Choice Is His (Not Yours)
After you have that honest conversation, your partner has two options:
- Step up to his 50% share
- Step down to a 20% share, 10% share, or leave the company entirely
That's his choice, and there's nothing bad about it.
This doesn't mean you don't want him as a friend. But you don't want him as a partner if he's not going to do simple tasks that keep the business running.
Remember: It's Just Business
At the end of the day, we're here to provide value. We want to do a good job. We came into this business to serve other people. In all of this, there shouldn't be overwhelming emotions – we just need to get the work done.
Detach yourself. Have one honest conversation. Set boundaries and expectations. Don't remind them anymore. Let them choose to step up or step down. And always have backup plans.
Your business depends on it.
Have you faced this problem with a business partner? I'd love to hear about your experience in the comments below.
And if you found this helpful, make sure to subscribe to my YouTube Channel – I put tons of energy into providing valuable content there.
Until next time, invest wisely, but invest.
– Dan Shimony
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