Written by: Vickie Sullivan  |  July 19, 2022

How to Handle Business Disagreements

Anyone who has been in business for a while has had disagreements with clients or business partners. Sometimes, however, those situations lead to predicaments. When that happens, proceed with caution. You need to get clarity on the situation, then respond.

Here are two things you must be crystal clear about before you react:

• Identify your outcome. Some disagreements start small and spin out of control. And some are an impasse of perspectives. Both are forks in the road, but each requires a different approach. The former can be stopped with a new way forward; the latter is a choice. Making this distinction before tackling the situation will facilitate the best approach.

• Understand the intent. Some disputes are misunderstandings that got amplified. Some are deliberate actions based on bad faith. Because you have a relationship with the parties involved, it’s easy to speculate the cause (and be wrong). Instead of assuming everyone has good or bad intentions, be neutral. Look at what happened and ask yourself: “If I didn’t know this person, what would this situation really look like?” Base your response on an objective answer.

Listen: When to Terminate a Business Relationship 

Disagreements are not fun—no matter the situation. The best path forward depends on what you know for sure. These two distinctions can help you formulate the best response.

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