Partnered Search Gone Bad

by a searcher from New York University - Leonard N. Stern School of Business

7 months ago

As someone considering a partnered search, I am looking to speak with a searcher who had significant challenges working with their partner. I want to know what went wrong and what you would have done differently. It would also be helpful to know if the partnership issues occurred during the search or the operating phase. 

To keep our communication confidential, you can email me directly at --@----.com

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7 comments

searcher from Bentley University

There are some great frameworks and documents (google will help you find them) to help partners discuss all the important dynamics - some call it the "kitchen table talk". You will want to have clear rules for what happens if things go south. A partner can be amazing - providing another teammate and helping to spread the load. But also be sure to avoid a partner where the two of you are not aligned on EVERYTHING. And if you see early issues, nip them off in the bud so they do not grow of fester to become huge issues. I walked away from a potential partnership, because after 8(ish) weeks it was clear we were not aligned and decision making was suffering (as well as speed).

7 months ago | like reply | 1 like

searcher from Loyola University of Chicago

Both partners need to make clear what's important to each of them and whether it's an actual good fit

7 months ago | like reply | 1 like

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