Explaining partnership failure, how to save a partnership and why timing matters
WITH A SPOTLIGHT ON SETH GODIN
Welcome to Partnership Wednesday! Here are 3 ideas from me and 1 question for you to consider this week to create partnerships you never thought possible!
3 IDEAS FROM ME
I.
When a partnership ends, the story you tell matters. In 2010, Netflix partnered with Epix to gain streaming rights to movies, accelerating Netflix’s transition from DVDs to streaming. But by 2015, the partnership ended as Netflix decided not to renew the deal, focusing instead on original content.
Here's how to share lessons without raising red flags:
Focused on growth: Netflix openly explained that while Epix was valuable in their early streaming days, the decision to pivot to originals was key to long-term differentiation and customer value.
Avoided blame: Rather than pointing fingers, Netflix emphasized the partnership’s positive impact during its tenure.
Highlighted next steps: By showcasing investments in original series like Stranger Things, Netflix turned the narrative into a story of progress and strategic evolution.
Netflix reassured the market that its direction was intentional and visionary, mitigating concerns while demonstrating adaptability. This approach demonstrated self-awareness, built trust, and signalled their commitment to continuous improvement—qualities the market respects.
II.
In partnerships, timing is everything. Too much urgency? You risk burning bridges. Too much patience? Opportunities slip away. The key is to match your approach to the moment. Early stages need urgency to create traction. Growth phases demand patience to build trust and navigate challenges. Regularly assess your approach by:
Asking yourself: Am I moving too fast or waiting too long?
Aligning with your partner: Share your timing expectations and adjust together.
III.
A partner's resistance is dragging down team morale. How can you turn the tide? I was asked this question from the crowd this week. Here’s my answer:
When a partner’s resistance starts affecting team morale, it’s time for a reset.
Begin with a direct, honest conversation to uncover what’s behind their resistance. What’s really going on? Then, reconnect them to the bigger picture—why this partnership matters, the effort your team is putting in, and what’s at risk if things stay stuck.
Finally, create space for them to win by asking, 'what would a win for you personally look like in this partnership?'
From there, find ways to help them achieve that win to demonstrate the benefits of working together. When you show how working together benefits everyone, resistance often turns into renewed momentum.
1 QUESTION FOR YOU
Do the businesses you partner with have enough context to make you successful?
PARTNERSHIP+ MOMENT
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KNOW PEOPLE WHO NEED THIS?
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Until next week,
Phil Hayes-St Clair - Partnership Expert & Coach, Host of Partnership+
SPOTLIGHT ON SETH GODIN
I love supporting people who do great work, like Seth Godin.
Seth has written 22 best selling books, including Purple Cow, Linchpin and Tribes. This is Strategy - Make Better Plans is his latest which breaks down the art of creating effective, actionable strategies that truly work. True to form, Seth shares practical tools and wisdom to help leaders and teams navigate complexity and plan with clarity and purpose.
If you want to sharpen your strategic skills and set a course for success, this is the book for you. Order it here.
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