This can sometimes feel like a tightrope walk, but finding common ground is definitely achievable. Start by focusing on shared interests and goals that brought you together in the first place - these can set a solid foundation for rebuilding communication. Encourage open and candid conversations where each party can express their perspectives and concerns without judgment. It's also helpful to being willing to adjust your communication styles or strategies to better suit each other’s needs.

When facing communication challenges with partner organizations, finding common ground is key. Start by identifying shared goals to align everyone’s efforts. Active listening is crucial to show that you genuinely care about their perspectives. Set clear communication protocols to keep things organized. From my experience, effective communication thrives in open, honest spaces where everyone feels comfortable sharing. Regular check-ins help build trust, and celebrating small wins together can strengthen the partnership. It’s all about making sure everyone feels valued along the way.

Communication styles are different in every country, every industry, and every generation of worker! Think about your partner and how they communicate, the frequency, level of formality, and style and then see how that fits with what it natural for you BUT Remember that you won't be able to communicate the same with everyone globally! You'll need to be flexible to grow global partnerships.

In my experience, finding common ground with partners starts with really understanding what they’re aiming for—no assumptions! I share my own goals just as openly, so we’re on the same page from the get-go. When roadblocks or conflicts pop up, a bit of honest brainstorming can lead to surprisingly creative solutions. And respecting cultural differences? It’s huge. I’ve learned that being upfront, welcoming feedback, and sprinkling in a little humor can turn potential friction into collaboration. After all, we’re better together than we are alone!

Open questions and a sincere desire to understand the interlocutor are the main things that allow you to find a common language. Most situations of misunderstanding are based on our picture of the world, which we put ahead of our partner's picture of the world. Putting aside your worldview and asking your partner “What do you think about it?” and then listening honestly is a difficult but effective art of finding a common language.

Communication is 2 way street, you need to fully understand how they're interpreting the situation at hand to fully understand the point of misunderstanding. Also, it is always important to constantly bring back to mind the goal and objectives of the partnership at hand, this helps everyone stay on track at all times.

Here are something that helped me manage communications better with Partners : 1. Setup regular cadence and adhere to it, even if it is for 5 minutes. 2. Keep a Partner KPI document handy to effectively structure calls along with Partners. 3. At times you might want to go top down whenever a fellow Alliance manager is non-responsive. 4. Have random catchup calls just to check what the partner has been upto. 5. Active listening always helps as it can help you to understand the other person's KPI and tailor your conversations towards Win-Win.