Give and Take

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At the beginning of any relationship – personal or professional – there is a tendency to skirt around the issues, each trying to impress, posture and hold your own.  But there comes a point when the honeymoon is over and you either like what you see or you don’t.

When it is a business deal that by all accounts should be working well and is a win-win for all involved, it is hard to admit that something is not right.  Take Mary, who has taken the plunge, moved her account from the tried and true to take her chances with someone, who like her, runs her business from home.

The quality of her work is great, and on paper it sounds like an ideal situation. Both are eager to be successful and keen to work with each other.

But then, seeing a great potential ahead of her, the new colleague started to get greedy.  She wanted a bit more of the action.  My friend, wisely decides to nip this in the bud, and draws up a contract, spelling out the arrangement.  

Problem solved right?  Well no.  The actual work goes well but the nickel and diming continues, to the point where Mary starts to question the wisdom of staying in business with her.  There’s a fine line between getting what you are entitled to and getting what you deserve.

Now both these women are on a learning curve to know when to push and when to back off.  Sometimes you just have to give, go that extra mile in the belief that down the road it will pay off.  It is all about give and take. But when you get greedy, you rarely win.