by Tatenda Rungisa, Human Resources specialist

A relationship means a connection. In the business world one can never be an island, business connections are needed as part of networking and for growth. Connections through ventures, partnerships, supplier-procurer, mentor-mentee, and a whole lot of different connections are worth the while as long as they serve their purpose and result in a healthy and productive relationship.

There are many reasons why one should end an unhealthy business relationship, despite the profits received or how long they have been associates.

1. The relationship is one sided

Every relationship is a Two Way Street, in terms of effort, time spent working on it, investment, as well as communication. When a business relationship becomes one sided and one business partner is the one putting in all the work, the relationship ceases to be healthy. A friend shared her story not so long ago about how her business partner would come in late, never market even on social media, it frustrated her especially that they would need to share the profits at the end of the day. Fortunately for her, she was bold enough to cut the business partnership and they went their separate ways.

Lesson:

All partners should put in the work in the business with regards to all aspects. It is well known that time plus effort results in a stronger bond and a greater business relationship. The greater the bond created the better the business may grow.

2. One party does not make timeous payments

We are living in trying times and having connections that honour and make timeous payments is a plus to every business. Being in a business relationship with an entity or person who does not make payments on time when due is stressful, it brings tension to the relationship and also results in less production on the business side. Bringing the issue closer to home unless if someone I have a relationship with can pay what is due in my local currency on time, defaulting payment by a week will only mean decrease in value of the money and a loss.

Lesson:

To ensure a business remains liquid and productive, it is advisable to ensure all business associates and customers are able to make due payments in time. If one has proven a record of defaulting in making payments, they should be cut off as the business will only suffer.

3. One party doesn’t honour contractual terms

It is prudent for individuals entering into a business partnership to draw up contracts with terms and conditions to manage their relationship. One should walk away from a business relationship when another partner breaches terms of a contract signed up. Breach of contract shows dishonesty from one party hence the only way is to walk away from such a relationship.

Lesson:

Draw up a contract in all business deals that you enter, it allows a relationship to be guided and formal.

4. Unethical business behaviour

Unethical business behaviour is simply doing what is not proper morally. Having a business relationship with a partner who has no morals or cannot follow standards in terms of business practices is applying for disaster. The result of such of a partnership will not only result in losses but also a bad reputation and even lawsuits.

Lesson:

An unethical partner will often want to bend rules, make bribes and so on, once as a businesswoman you realise such red flags, walk out of that relationship and never look back.

5. Sexual advancements

In the business world we will meet different people from different backgrounds. There is a need to network. It is unfortunate that some individuals will seek favours first before they help you out or ensure whatever deal you are working on goes through. It is advisable to walk away from a business relationship once one starts asking for sexual favours, no matter what they promise to provide after. Always remember that your reputation and name is on the line. There are many business people that have tarnished their names after their names were dragged in the mud due to scandalous sexual affairs.

Lesson:

Sexual advancements and harassments are signs of disrespect and unethical behaviour in a business partnership. It is ideal to walk away from that business relationship and save your reputation and brand.

6. Bad financial management

The reason most people are in business is to make profits and attain wealth. This is possible if there are sound structures and also good financial management in place. It is a waste of time to be in partnership or develop a business relationship with a person who does not value financial prudence. Financial imprudence will result in debt.

Lesson:

Be in partnership with someone who values financial prudence. It is not always the case that everyone has knowledge, take time to train or enrol each other as partners to learn more about finances. If one partner is not interested, it is wise to move away from that relationship as growth will be stunted.

Tatenda Rungisa is a 25 year old based in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. She holds a Bsc Honours in Human Resources Management, Certificate in workplace collaboration and development, certificate in management strategies for people and resources and certificate of completion in the growth mind-set speakers training. She is a Human Resources Practitioner by profession, motivational speaker, blogger and columnist in a local newspaper. She also co-founded Twin-Connect Solutions which is a youth driven organization led by young females based in Zimbabwe and South-Africa. She is passionate about writing, women empowerment and community work.