22 September 2009
Avoiding the Power Struggle
Posted by admin under: Navigating Partnerships .
Partners often disagree. Sometimes disagreements throw partners off task. Rather than simply recognizing there are different points of view or perspectives about some issue, partners can slip into a dangerous, locked in location: the world of right or wrong thinking; the power struggle.
In the power struggle, partners get positioned into a single minded thinking, “My way, not yours” or “I’m right, you’re wrong.” Collaboration falls by the wayside, giving way to a more competitive, heels dug in way of communicating.
Instead of listening or reflecting, partners speak at each other, scarcely taking the time to acknowledge what the other partner is trying to say. Instead, partners interrupt and get distracted. They forget empathy or understanding. It’s every man for himself: shoot first and duck second. If partners remain stuck in the power struggle too long, it can become trench warfare. Pride can eat away at the fabric of mutual trust or respect. What can you do to get out of the trap of the power struggle?
Bottom Line
- Take responsibility for your own disruptive behavior.
- Acknowledge to your partner how you aren’t listening or acting like a partner. You’re annoyed and plugged in to your own point of view. Apologize.
- Recommit yourself to getting your partnership back on track. Start listening and behaving like a partner. Agree to disagree. Be hard on the problem, not on each other.
2 Comments so far...
Candice West Says:
24 September 2009 at 11:00 am.
In any business venture or employment opportunity, I’ve found that cooperation works much better than competition. In my opinion, it is the most successful and mature approach. If you can learn to cooperate with each other as team, you can draw thoughts and ideas much better than you ever could on you own. You can achieve more and get more accomplished faster. Also, its alot less stressful than competing with someone or someone else’s business. Make a game out of it. Find ways to help strengthen and play off each other, so that both parties profit!
moss jackson Says:
24 September 2009 at 12:24 pm.
Hi Candice,
I think you’re right on target about the power of cooperation over competition. The synergy of cooperartive and collaborative efforts results in higher productivity, better solutions and getting others on board. It’s also better for your blood pressure and general well-being. Cortisol secretion is also lower and dopamine secretion is enhanced. All in all, cooperation makes for greater navigation and success, rather than survivor behavior and stress. Bottom line: it’s more fun and satisfying.
Stay in touch,
MJ
