You know a good relationship when you see it…when you’re in it. The converse is true as well. You know a bad or a poor relationship when you see it…when you’re in it.
When you break it down, these 3 characteristics make the business relationship work for both parties:
- You advance the business
This means you know the business well and provide insights which help move it forward. This comes with time. You have to work at it. It takes experience to deliver in the right way to build and maintain trust.
- The relationship is mutually beneficial
No one party receives all of the benefits from the relationship. You both help each other succeed and have each other’s back. You both grow and develop professionally as a result of working together.
- You genuinely enjoy working together
It’s still work, and deadlines still must be met. But it’s far more pleasant accomplishing the goal when you’re working with people you enjoy spending time with. These are the people you are happy to see outside of work on occasion and look forward to the opportunity to partner / collaborate with on projects.
Many functions operate in the capacity of a business partner. They can come from inside an organization as well as outside the organization. Are you ready to operate like one?
Betsy Winkler is a Partner at PeopleResults. She can be reached on Twitter @BetsyWinkler1.