How can you show business partners that their input is valuable?

As a servant leader, you want to empower and inspire your business partners to collaborate with you and achieve shared goals. But how do you show them that you value their input and respect their perspectives? Here are some tips to help you demonstrate appreciation and build trust with your partners.

1 Listen actively

One of the most important ways to show your partners that their input is valuable is to listen actively to what they have to say. Active listening means paying attention, asking questions, paraphrasing, and giving feedback. It also means avoiding distractions, interruptions, and judgments. By listening actively, you show your partners that you care about their opinions, concerns, and needs.

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Rahkim Sabree, AFC®

Financial Therapist + Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC®️)| Award Winning Thought Leader On Financial Trauma | Forbes Contributor | Speaker
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There is a financial counseling technique called verbal pacing where you can restate, summarize, or paraphrase what you are hearing the subject say. I find this to be an excellent active listening strategy as you not only make sure you are understanding the subject, but you are also building rapport.

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2 Recognize contributions

Another way to show your partners that their input is valuable is to recognize their contributions and achievements. Recognition can be formal or informal, public or private, but it should be sincere and specific. For example, you can send a thank-you note, give a shout-out, or share a success story. By recognizing your partners, you show them that you appreciate their efforts and results.

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3 Involve them in decisions

A third way to show your partners that their input is valuable is to involve them in decisions that affect them or the project. Involvement can be consultative or participatory, depending on the situation and the level of authority. For example, you can ask for their feedback, suggestions, or preferences, or you can invite them to join a decision-making team or committee. By involving your partners, you show them that you respect their expertise and experience.

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4 Implement their ideas

A fourth way to show your partners that their input is valuable is to implement their ideas or solutions whenever possible and appropriate. Implementation can be partial or complete, depending on the feasibility and suitability of the ideas. For example, you can adopt their recommendations, follow their best practices, or use their tools or methods. By implementing their ideas, you show them that you trust their judgment and creativity.

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Rahkim Sabree, AFC®

Financial Therapist + Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC®️)| Award Winning Thought Leader On Financial Trauma | Forbes Contributor | Speaker
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Sometimes the expectation that you will implement ideas can have a negative impact on the overall relationship as not all ideas are beneficial to the bigger picture. Finding ways to acknowledge the idea and even compromise on the execution of said idea (giving credit where it is due) can have a lasting impact on the relationship and your credibility as a leader.

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5 Share information and resources

A fifth way to show your partners that their input is valuable is to share information and resources with them that can help them perform better or learn more. Sharing can be proactive or reactive, depending on the availability and relevance of the information and resources. For example, you can provide updates, reports, or insights, or you can offer training, coaching, or mentoring. By sharing with your partners, you show them that you support their growth and development.

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Babar Hussain Khan

Director Compliance at JSI | John Snow, Inc.
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The most reasonable manner to let the business partners know that their inputs are valuable is to share with them relevant information and engage them in success and challenges.

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6 Seek their feedback

A sixth way to show your partners that their input is valuable is to seek their feedback on your own performance or the project. Seeking feedback can be formal or informal, depending on the purpose and the frequency. For example, you can request a review, a survey, or a conversation. By seeking feedback, you show your partners that you value their perspective and want to improve.

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Peter Buglass

Helping you think differently, solve problems, create opportunities to improve profits. Board & Executive Visionary Advisor, Mentor, and Business Transformation Specialist
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I host lunchtime feedback sessions once a month. Sandwiches or pizza say, in the meeting room. I make it clear that they can comment on or criticise my decisions, performance or leadership without retribution. The first lunch is tough - on me. By the third everyone is contributing positively to the organisation. It is also a good setting to communicate what is going on in the business and ask for their opinions.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you show business partners that their input is valuable?

1

2

3

4

5

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7

1 Listen actively

2 Recognize contributions

3 Involve them in decisions

4 Implement their ideas

5 Share information and resources

6 Seek their feedback

7 Here’s what else to consider

Servant Leadership

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How can you show business partners that their input is valuable?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Listen actively

2 Recognize contributions

3 Involve them in decisions

4 Implement their ideas

5 Share information and resources

6 Seek their feedback

7 Here’s what else to consider

Servant Leadership

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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