When Partners Fall Out

Moreover, Mongol elites formed trade partnerships with merchants from Central and Western Asia and Europe, including Marco Polo’s family. In Europe, the partnerships contributed to the Commercial Revolution which started in the 13th century. This practice not only saved time and money, but also constituted a first step toward partnership. This capacity to join forces in reciprocal services became a distinctive feature, and a long lasting success factor, of the Hanseatic team spirit.

The majority owner’s two sons—third-generation minor partners—had fought for countermoves and initiatives to regain market share. But the sons themselves were more often in strong disagreement than agreed on what to do, and that strengthened the father’s hand in running the small business blog without changes. Disagreement had cost the business whatever chance it had to remain competitive, however, and exacted a heavy toll by creating deep hostility among family members. Don’t set up partnerships in which two or more people have equal ownership and power in decision making. If two or more partners are to work together, establish at the outset who is in charge. A statement of control signed by all partners should specify what will happen if a lesser partner doesn’t agree with the controlling partner.

Another quality that can be great to look for in business partners is the ability to build strong relationships. The right business partners are the ones who come with fresh and original ideas. If you want to differentiate from the competition, a person who helps you to build a brand with a clear image is needed.

In fact, if you need to save taxes, it’s typical to have each member’s share of the LLC owned by an S corporation. An LLP is a flexible business structure that allows partners to come and go. Professional groups tend to form LLPs to lower the cost of doing business while increasing the potential for business growth. Small law firms and consulting groups are prime examples of limited liability partnerships. The legal structure of your business partnership will dictate many decisions as to how the business is run. Choosing a structure will define your responsibilities and personal liability as well as how your business will be taxed at the federal and state levels.

Employees, who know very well what’s going on, may divide into factions. Partners may make both subtle and openly antagonistic moves against one another. One partner may schedule important meetings at times known to be inconvenient for the other. Or a partner may openly countermand the instructions another partner has given to an employee. As conflict mounts, it becomes harder and harder to pick it apart. Even the habit of living with ongoing controversy seems to dull the will to break interpersonal impasses.

One of the most important aspects of a good business partnership is shared short-term and long-term values. This doesn’t mean you have to agree on everything but too many disagreements can hurt the business over the long term. A limited liability limited partnership is a newer form ofpartnership.