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6 tips, learnt the hard way, to deal with unreasonable partners

20th Sep 2013
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In general most partners I have met are perfectly nice and reasonable people. (even the big 4 partners) However, that is not always the case all of the time. I’ve been on the end of an unreasonable partner many a time during my career in professional services! To help you have a slightly easier time of it with unreasonable partners, I have compiled a list of six tips which I have used to successfully work with the most irrational and tough partners.

1. Consider the wider context

Whilst you may only have a small bit of the client assignment to complete, the partner is exposed to the whole of the project, warts and all. Very often the partner is the one taking the brunt of a client’s demands, and balancing this with aiming to get a decent recovery on the assignment. Add into the mix that they may be at the same time be dealing with three or more other clients whose projects are going pear-shaped, and potentially a major firm crisis.

None of which they can share with you.

Consequently, it’s understandable if at times their behaviour can be unreasonable. Of course, this doesn’t excuse their bad behaviour, but it may make it easier to deal with.

2. Remember that they own the firm, and enjoy both the risks and rewards of being a partner

Most partners have climbed their way up the ladder to get to the position they are now. Whether their behaviour is reasonable or not, very often you need to learn to like it or, being rather blunt, leave the firm. However, if their behaviour crosses the line into bullying, harassment or discrimination, then this is a different matter. You need to keep notes of when this is happening and take your concerns to your HR representative. Whilst the partner may own a slice of the firm, that doesn’t condone or entitle them to break the law.

To help you with managing your partners, download now our free guide to navigating the politics in your firm, from our career kitbag

3. Let them softly know the impact of their behaviour

This is a high risk strategy, and one which you need a truck load of bravery and balls to do. This is where you gently and respectfully let them know how their behaviour is impacting on you. Sometimes this may do the trick, other times it’s not going to make any difference.

4. Ask your mentor about them

If you don’t fancy the direct approach, you could have a conversation with your mentor about this partner. In this conversation find out more about this Partner’s behaviour – is this normal? Are they under a lot of stress? What are their trigger points? You may find that the partner treats everyone like this, and that’s just the way it is.

5. Find out how others manage them

Being politically astute is a skill you need to learn to survive and thrive in a professional services firm. Therefore, ask around your peers and friends to how they manage this person.

6. Find out the Partner’s expectations of you

Partners are often very set in their ways. It’s up to you to adjust your working style and your behaviour to them, not the other way around. You may find it useful to have a conversation with them to understand their expectations of you, how they like to work, and their pet peeves. Knowing this information could help you to have a smoother working relationship with you.

To help you accelerate your career at a Big 4 firm (or any large firm) download now our free 6 page guide to accelerating your career at a Big 4 firm

Author Credit

Heather Townsend helps professionals become the Go-To-Expert. She is the author of the  award winning and best-selling book on business networking, the ‘FT Guide To Business Networking’ and the co-author of ‘How to make partner and still have a life’. Over the last decade she has worked with over 300 partners; coached, trained and mentored over 1000 professionals at every level of the UK's most ambitious professional practices.

Heather blogs regularly at How to make partner and still have a life and Joined Up Networking

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7om
By Tom 7000
24th Sep 2013 14:04

Dont like the boss?

You dont have to work there

 

Toughen up

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