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Project Partner Dynamics - Potential Project Partner Using the I'm Busy Covert Power Move
I am exploring a potential project with a person.
A recent conversation went like this:
Me: I got the access to this beta software!
Partner: Having a crazy month but I will resurface 2021 for smarter ideas. (Suggesting Busyness)
Me: Talk soon, merry christmas and happy new year. Crazy time as well. But wanted to keep the energy going. (Reply that it's a busy time for me as well. At the same time, I wanted to keep the conversation upbeat.)
Partner: This is so important and I'm sorry for not being the more active counterparty. (Suggests that I'm investing more into the relationship than him. Not good for me.)
Me: What are you saying. You came up with the initial concept and idea. Let's talk soon at a more convenient time. (I wanted to remind him of what he has invested into starting this potential project. So that he will continue to invest equally as me. Should have added "convenient time for both of us". Frame it collaboratively while asserting the important of my time as well.)
Partner: Brilliant! I have an intern from this university at work right now, a real top guy for future internships and stuff. (Invests by sharing about his intern)
Me: Awesome! Things are coming together. Cheers to 2021! *toasts*
Partner: Yes, we will speak/meet before 2021 *prosecco*
I'm thinking that I did okay in this interaction by framing it collaboratively.
However, I could have done better to assert the importance of my time as well.
From my experience, it seems that most people don't want to invest too much in a project that doesn't have clear short-term benefits.
That makes sense because entrepreneurial projects have a degree of uncertainty.
It makes sense to let your project partner invest in the early stages while you don't invest so much.
If the opportunity takes off, jump in and invest more.
If the project fails, then you just move on.
It seems like there are parallels with dynamics between sexual partners.
The project is analogous to the offspring.
Should you start multiple projects and take a small stake in each one while investing minimal effort and diversifying?
Or should you double down and work with your partner to make the project happen?
Matthew: It seems like there are parallels with dynamics between sexual partners.
The project is analogous to the offspring.
Should you start multiple projects and take a small stake in each one while investing minimal effort and diversifying?
Or should you double down and work with your partner to make the project happen?
Fascinating parallel!
Yeah, there might be something there.
The different strategies, as well as different approaches depending on personality. Some people prefer to invest around and see what blossoms, while some others want to at the helm and drive their own business first-hand.
Overall, you did well.
If the beta software was important, you could have insisted, like:
Yeah, all good, just take a look for a quick feedback
How and if to insist, also depends on what type of partner he was.
Was he pitching in money?
If so, then he had somewhat the "right", to work less, and it's fair for you to work harder on it.
If not, or if the money was a small amount, then he must pitch some ideas as a partner.
If he's not even able to take a look at the product, then one can wonder what kind of partner he is.
But he had the willingness to admit he wasn't doing enough, which is a good sign.
All your notes are very good, especially the one where you reminded him of what he's already done, and then asked for more concrete investment. Very strategically smart, as well as positively assertive.
Fascinating parallel!
Thanks to your book recommendation! The Selfish Gene!
Just finished your Dating Power Dynamics audiobook.
I have enjoyed both audiobooks very much.
My brain picked up some parallels.
I realised dating strategies can be applied in the business world as well.
Different dynamics but people are people after all.
By the way, your Audible article changed my book-reading life.
I was spending so much time learning to speed-read visually.
Audiobooks are even better.
Now I can read anywhere, anytime.
Was he pitching in money?
If so, then he had somewhat the "right", to work less, and it's fair for you to work harder on it.
He has not been pitching in any money.
I'm working on getting him to invest more.
That's a great idea. Thanks for the suggestion.
I will ask him to pitch in more ideas on the beta software during our next conversation.
If not, or if the money was a small amount, then he must pitch some ideas as a partner.
If he's not even able to take a look at the product, then one can wonder what kind of partner he is.
I am taking these early stages as a way to evaluate our partnership as well.
I used to get too excited to start projects and ended up with some bad partnerships.
Now I take it slower to access commitment and "how the person works" before signing official contracts.
It does have parallels with finding a sexual partner albeit the dynamic leans a bit more on the transactional side.
But he had the willingness to admit he wasn't doing enough, which is a good sign.
He has been honest with me.
One trait that I value a lot in this Machiavellian business world. (unless he is outplaying me :))
All your notes are very good, especially the one where you reminded him of what he's already done, and then asked for more concrete investment. Very strategically smart, as well as positively assertive.
Thanks man, I learned a lot about assertiveness and collaborative frames from you and Power University.
Getting buy-in and investment into a collaborative frame further solidifies relationships.
I get a lot out of analysing and contributing to the discussions on this forum.
It sharpens my antennas and analytical skills.
I am taking these early stages as a way to evaluate our partnership as well.
Smart approach!
Jumping in on the idea/project only leaves a huge chunk unaccounted for (the human side).
