My dad, a successful entrepreneur, always had one golden piece of advice for me: “Choose your business partners wisely.” His words stuck with me as I ventured into the business world.
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
Isn’t it just about finding someone with the right skills and experience? Or perhaps someone who shares your vision and passion?
Well, not quite.
Psychology suggests that there are certain types of people you might want to think twice about before jumping into a business venture with them.
So, if you’re gearing up to start a new business or you’re considering bringing in some new blood to an existing one, you might want to check out these seven types of people that psychology warns us to steer clear from in business.
And trust me – avoiding them could save you stress, time, and lots of headaches down the line.
Stay tuned.
1) The micromanager
Ever met someone who just can’t seem to let go of the reins?
We’re talking about the micromanagers – the ones who obsess over every little detail, leaving no room for creativity or initiative.
Sure, attention to detail can be a great asset in business. But when it crosses a line, it can stifle growth and kill morale.
Psychologically speaking, micromanagers often struggle with trust and control issues. They find it difficult to delegate tasks and let others take charge.
In a business partnership, this can create a toxic environment where employees feel undervalued and suffocated.
Next time you encounter a potential business partner who insists on controlling every aspect of the business? You might want to think twice.
2) The constant pessimist
Remember Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh? That sad, gloomy donkey who always saw the glass half empty?
In my early days of entrepreneurship, I partnered with someone who was a real-life Eeyore. Let’s call him John.
John was intelligent and experienced, but he always had a negative outlook on things. If we encountered a challenge, he would immediately predict doom and gloom rather than focusing on possible solutions.
Psychology warns us about such constant pessimists. They are often driven by fear and anxiety, which can quickly spread to others in the team and create a culture of negativity.
While it’s essential to be realistic in business and foresee potential pitfalls, a constant pessimist can drain energy and stifle innovation.
Learn from my experience, folks. A business relationship with an eternal pessimist can be exhausting and unproductive. Choose optimism!
3) The ghost partner
Have you ever been in a relationship where the other person seems to disappear when things get tough?
I’m talking about the ghost partners – those who are all in when the sailing is smooth, but vanish at the first sign of a storm.
In business, this type of partner can be a real nightmare.
You’re left holding the fort, scrambling to manage crises and make crucial decisions alone. It’s like being in a band where your lead guitarist bolts just before the big gig.
They fear confrontation and would rather flee than face a challenging situation head-on.
In business, this can be highly detrimental. You need partners who will stand with you through thick and thin, not those who disappear when the going gets tough.
Trust me, it’s not fun picking up the pieces alone. Business is a team sport – make sure your teammates are ready to play in all weather conditions.
4) The credit hogger
Imagine working tirelessly on a project, pulling all-nighters to meet a deadline, and then when the accolades start rolling in, your partner swoops in to claim all the glory.
Unfair, right?
Welcome to the world of the credit hoggers. These folks are always ready to step into the spotlight and take credit for successes, often downplaying or ignoring the efforts of others.
Credit hoggers are driven by an inflated sense of self-importance and a deep-seated need for recognition and validation. They struggle with sharing success and often see others’ achievements as a threat to their own status.
In a business partnership, this can lead to resentment, low morale, and a lack of team spirit.
Remember, success is sweeter when shared. Avoid partnering with those who aren’t willing to give credit where it’s due.
5) The non-communicator
Communication – it’s the lifeblood of any successful partnership.
But what happens when you’re dealing with a partner who just doesn’t communicate effectively?
You find yourself in a guessing game, trying to figure out their thoughts, feelings, or intentions. It’s like trying to solve a mystery without any clues.
Studies have shown that poor communication is one of the leading causes of business failure. It leads to misunderstandings, conflicts, and missed opportunities.
Non-communicators often struggle with expressing their thoughts and feelings. They may fear confrontation or rejection, or they may lack the necessary skills to communicate effectively.
In a business partnership, this can lead to a lot of frustration and inefficiency.
Avoid the guessing game. Choose a business partner who communicates openly and effectively. After all, clarity is king in business.
6) The workaholic
In our hustle culture, workaholics are often glorified. The ones who burn the midnight oil and sacrifice weekends for work are seen as committed and driven.
But here’s a gentle reminder – there’s more to life than just work.
Workaholics, driven by an insatiable need to achieve and validate their self-worth through work, often neglect other aspects of their lives – health, relationships, hobbies.
This relentless pursuit of work often stems from deep-seated insecurities or fears. It’s not healthy, and it can lead to burnout, stress, and decreased productivity in the long run.
In a business partnership, a workaholic partner can set unrealistic expectations and create an imbalanced work-life culture.
It’s crucial to have a healthy work-life balance. Your business is important, but so is your well-being. Choose partners who understand and respect that.
7) The manipulator
Beware of the manipulators.
These are the people who use cunning and deceit to get their way. They have a knack for twisting situations to their advantage, often at the expense of others.
Manipulators are driven by a desire for power and control. They lack empathy and have little regard for others’ feelings or needs.
In a business partnership, a manipulator can cause immense harm. They can breed distrust, create conflict, and undermine the very foundation of the partnership.
The bottom line? Steer clear of manipulators. Choose partners who value honesty, integrity, and respect. It’s not just good business – it’s good humanity.
Final thoughts
If you’ve recognized some of these people in your business journey, take heart. It’s a common occurrence, and it’s part of the learning curve.
The goal isn’t to judge or label people, but to help you make informed decisions about who you invite into your business world.
See, choosing a business partner is a significant decision. It’s akin to picking a travel buddy for a long journey. You want someone reliable, trustworthy, and aligned with your values and vision.
It’s okay to be selective. It’s okay to prioritize your mental peace, business ethics, and personal well-being.
Identify the red flags. Listen to your intuition. Seek counsel when needed. And don’t rush into a partnership just because of credentials or charisma.
The right people – the ones who will complement your strengths, challenge you constructively, and stand by you in adversity – they’re out there.
Your task is to find them and build something extraordinary together.
Because at the end of the day, business is not just about profit margins or market shares. It’s about people – working with them, growing with them, and making a difference with them.
So choose wisely. Choose consciously. Your business – and you – deserve nothing less.
