Stop, Collaborate and Listen

Now that you've stopped for a few minutes to read, it's time to collaborate.

I've sat on both sides of the table during the course of my career, and have found that my favorite table is the round one. My goal is to avoid the back and forth, but explore the reciprocal. At the end of the day, we are (almost) all heading in the same direction.

My most valuable contributions to the companies I've worked for, as well as my own ventures have never been a result of my keen negotiating skills. The 'race to the bottom' mentality that has gripped this industry for the last few years has brought very little value. B2B trust has eroded to the point where long term partnership has ended and 'us vs. them' tactics have taken over. This thought process is the least effective for cost savings and growth.

Collaboration to find cost reduction and efficiencies has always been the best approach, yet is almost the first practice discarded when the chips are down. We no longer listen to mutually beneficial options, but focus only on what we need to survive. Negotiations become one-sided, and partnerships fail. With them, much opportunity.

Every chance I get to speak, and with all the companies I've consulted for over the last few years my message has remained the same. Find that partnership where a united front can bring 5X, 10X value then you ever could on your own. They do exist, I've been a part of many. It's sometimes as easy as just another set of eyes viewing a problem you've been knocking your head against for the longest time. And more often then not, can be discovered by taking a break from demanding what you need and just making an effort to listen.