A partnership requires both collaboration and individual contribution. The fundamental nature of a partnership requires needing the other to fill a strategic gap for clients. It is impossible for an individual to be so independent that they can overcome their business's gaps in the solution they offer. So, if you find someone independent, then hold them accountable. This will be a superpower for you both, so leverage this to your advantage. If they simply don't engage, communicate, collaborate, or rely on your business... then it isn't a partnership. If you can truly tie back your partnership to this person's goals, then their independence will help you both achieve the goal you set out to achieve.

Collaborating with an independent partner can indeed be rewarding. One effective strategy I've used is to clearly define roles and responsibilities, which empowers them to take ownership while still contributing to the team's objectives. Regular check-ins foster open communication, allowing for feedback and adjustments as needed. Additionally, celebrating small wins together helps reinforce the shared goals and strengthens the bond. Ultimately, embracing each other's strengths leads to a more cohesive and productive partnership.

When you're working with someone who values independence, it's key to respect their freedom while finding ways to work together. Keep communication open, focus on the goals you both share, and offer help without pushing too much. By showing how teamwork can boost their individual strengths and letting them know their independence is appreciated, you can create a solid, collaborative partnership.

In my experience, collaborating with independent partners means balancing respect for their autonomy with open communication. At EasyWeGo, we partnered with workspace providers across APAC, agreeing on shared goals but giving each partner freedom to work in their style. This approach kept them motivated and invested. Regular, informal check-ins allowed partners to share ideas and challenges openly, which helped us stay aligned without too many restrictions. This open dialogue built trust and strengthened our shared purpose. By focusing on common goals and staying flexible, we built a collaborative relationship that respected each partner’s independence while smoothly advancing toward our objectives together.