Listen. That's it. Actively listen. Use recap statement and "yes, and" to keep the focus on them. Avoid flexing your knowledge; a dominat partner cares what they think, not what you do. Providing info proactively will do the opposite of what you want - unless you want to be dismissed. Learn their motivation and values, and make their "win" yours. Once they trust that you truly "get them", the real conversation begins

"Dominant" partners are built by consistent execution month over month year over year. Usually for decades! The easiest way to earn their respect is to focus less on respect and more upon making sure you overdeliver on every possible aspect of the relationship! Hard work and killer results always impressive successful people, partners, and companies.

Working with a dominant partner can be challenging, but you can foster respect and cooperation. Here are five key strategies: Listen to Their Perspective: Understand what drives your partner to communicate better and find common ground. Be Assertive, Not Confrontational: Share your thoughts using “I” statements to keep the conversation constructive. Highlight Shared Goals: Focus on what you both want to achieve to encourage teamwork. Show Your Expertise: Bring valuable insights to the table, demonstrating your role as a key contributor. Build Trust: Be reliable and open in your communication to create a trusting environment. By implementing these strategies, you can create a more balanced and effective partnership.

In my experience, handling a dominant partner requires balancing assertiveness with cooperation. One time at work, we partnered with a larger ride-hailing company for our taxi integration. Initially, they pushed for terms favoring them, but we had to protect our interests. Here’s what worked: - Communicating our needs and boundaries clearly, without being confrontational. - Proposing win-win solutions that addressed both their scale and our startup agility. - Staying informed and prepared during negotiations to demonstrate our value. This approach helped us create a balanced partnership, ensuring cooperation while safeguarding our business interests

To establish respect and foster cooperation with a dominant partner, prioritize transparent communication and assertive boundaries. Clearly express your organization’s value and contributions, reinforcing the mutual benefits of the partnership. For instance, if a dominant partner pressures for faster project timelines, present data-backed insights on why realistic deadlines will improve overall quality and sustainability. Demonstrate reliability through consistent follow-through on commitments, and proactively suggest collaborative solutions to show partnership rather than submission. Building trust this way helps position you as an equal, securing respect and a balanced, cooperative relationship.