We help our business partners
to reach an agreement using structured discussion techniques
Entrepreneurs, who are either planning to enter or already have entered into a partnership, approach us to discuss complicated challenges and to make agreements.
This happens in a special partner session format
This happens in a special partner session format
to reach an agreement
Syncing with your partner
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Clarity in agreements
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Document — A Partnership Agreement
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More than 60% of a company's internal problems are caused
by misunderstandings between team members
by misunderstandings between team members
The problem is not that people are initially bad and want to deceive someone, but that everyone has their own world-view and idea of normalcy, so we see many things differently. That is precisely why there are issues that must be discussed in advance. Preventing a conflict is much easier and more beneficial, than dealing with its consequences. Especially if a case goes to court: it takes lots of time and money, as well as not being effective.
Tilda Publishing
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60%
misunderstandings
Situations where
partners may have differing viewpoints
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differing viewpoints
Partners' roles and what they expect from each other
- Responsibility chart
- What are the strengths of the partners?
- What is their area of expertise?
- Why does 1+1 = 3 in this partnership and not 2?
Contribution and responsibility, decision-making procedure
- What resources do the partners expect from each other, and what does everyone bring to the project?
- How quickly will the partners get their investment back?
- What will they do in the event of an undesirable outcome of the project?
Partners' job duties
- If a partner performs their job duties, then what is their salary? How will it change? Who is the partner's direct line manager? How long is their annual leave, and what is their working day and week schedule?
A partner's withdrawal from business
- What circumstances will lead to a partner's forced exit from the business?
- Under what conditions must a partner leave the company?
- How shall the business be divided if a partner voluntarily withdraws from the project?
- Is there a temporary moratorium on exiting the business?
For whom is the partner session relevant and what does it give them?
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For new partnerships as well as those already in operation. Also investments, employee options, and brand or company collaborations. If you are not doing business alone, but rather together with somebody else, and there are two, three or four of you, you definitely need a partner session. That's the rule.
Dmitry Grits is the author of the technique.
Structure of the partner session
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Structure
The duration of a session depends on the number of partners
PREPARATION
We send partners a list of questions that they can look through in order to extend their initial request for a session.
DISCUSSION OF THE PROGRAMME AND PERSONAL CONFIDENTIAL CONVERSATIONS WITH EACH OF THE PARTNERS
We discuss everyone's personal expectations, as well as difficult and taboo subjects. Something that your partner doesn't directly talk about.
We do not disclose who exactly a question came from, but we ask questions organically weaving them into the structure of the session.
We do not disclose who exactly a question came from, but we ask questions organically weaving them into the structure of the session.
DISCUSSION OF SENSITIVE ISSUES USING SPECIAL METHODS
The direction of a conversation and the scenario depend on the problem that partners have come to solve. The moderator does not allow partners to come to vague agreements or make a compromise, about which there has been an internal disagreement. They do not accept vague answers, and ask additional questions in order to come to clarity and measurability.
SIGNING
A PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
A PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
After a session, partners come to specific measurable agreements, which we record in a partnership agreement. A partnership agreement consists of different sections, some of which can be included in an employment contract if one of the partners performs certain job duties as a part of the business activities, some — in a company's charter, some — in a corporate contract, and some, if it is a partnership with an investor, — in an investment memorandum.
During a session, partners gain experience in structured discussion of complex issues, which allows them
to negotiate independently in the future.
to negotiate independently in the future.
A session for four partners will take ~10 hours
FOR 4 PARTNERS
A session for three partners will take ~8 hours
FOR 3 PARTNERS
A session for two partners will take ~6 hours
FOR 2 PARTNERS
Usually partners have certain questions that they would like to discuss (distribution
of shares, areas of responsibility, etc.).
In addition, there are many areas that no one is thinking about, especially if those relate
to various scenarios (what will happen if someone dies, gets married, or relocates).
of shares, areas of responsibility, etc.).
In addition, there are many areas that no one is thinking about, especially if those relate
to various scenarios (what will happen if someone dies, gets married, or relocates).
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During personal conversations, we,
as an independent party, receive a lot of information. This allows us to become aware of things that partners do not directly tell each other due to the fear or embarrassment of asking awkward questions or the feeling they shouldn't talk about bad things. We get acquainted with everyone's ideas, understand what the source of difficulties or dissatisfaction is, and what the participants would like to settle or discuss. After holding such conversations, we understand what issues need to be discussed at a session, and then use those as the basis of the session's scenario.
as an independent party, receive a lot of information. This allows us to become aware of things that partners do not directly tell each other due to the fear or embarrassment of asking awkward questions or the feeling they shouldn't talk about bad things. We get acquainted with everyone's ideas, understand what the source of difficulties or dissatisfaction is, and what the participants would like to settle or discuss. After holding such conversations, we understand what issues need to be discussed at a session, and then use those as the basis of the session's scenario.
- What are you doing together? What type of project is it?
- Why is this a partnership? Is it complete? Are there any irrelevant partners?
- Expectation from a partner session. What will be a good result for you?
- What issues need to be given priority in the discussion?
- What issues are not to be discussed at this partner session?
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Such a discussion can be roughly divided into the following sections:
- Product and Activities: vision, mission, goals, strategy, principles, and motivation
- Company Management: who is at the helm, decision-making, hiring employees, and management bodies
- Communication: rules and boundaries, confidentiality and security principles
- Scenarios and other issues
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Any arrangement has two specific characteristics. The first one is that it is forgotten: "We didn't agree on this." And the second one — it gets interpreted: "Yes, I seemed to say that, but you misunderstood me, in fact I meant something else."
Writing an agreement is a very important stage.
As a result, partners receive a document with their signatures. The very fact of signing such an agreement is very important for achieved agreements could come into force.
Writing an agreement is a very important stage.
As a result, partners receive a document with their signatures. The very fact of signing such an agreement is very important for achieved agreements could come into force.
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We asked our clients to tell us why they trust us. Here are the 6 key reasons based on their answers
58 business-partnership architects.
They have been trained and can help entrepreneurs avoid problems and misunderstandings between partners.
They have been trained and can help entrepreneurs avoid problems and misunderstandings between partners.
All agreements are recorded in that document. Part of them can be legally formalised in the charter of a company and in a corporate agreement, part — in an employment contract and job description, and part — in a term sheet.
At a session, we will discuss issues, on which partners may differ. We are able
to resolve disagreements in the course
of a conversation, avoiding conflicts.
to resolve disagreements in the course
of a conversation, avoiding conflicts.
During a discussion, issues are raised, including those related to the legal aspect of the partnership.
Let us assure you that the session will not turn into a legal consultation; however, we will be able to ask additional questions and explain whether it is possible to implement your idea within the framework of existing legislation.
Let us assure you that the session will not turn into a legal consultation; however, we will be able to ask additional questions and explain whether it is possible to implement your idea within the framework of existing legislation.
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We have held over 150 sessions.
It doesn't matter if you work with your spouse, a former colleague, a friend, or attract an investor. In our practice, we deal with all of these relationships.
It doesn't matter if you work with your spouse, a former colleague, a friend, or attract an investor. In our practice, we deal with all of these relationships.
Even the most open independent talks of partners do not always lead to answers, decisions and agreements that can be relied upon. It is better to engage experts when discussing potentially sensitive issues.
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We know how to work with different types of partnerships, and what issues are critical to discuss
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We help them run negotiations as independent moderators
We teach culture formation technologies: any partnership begins with the procedure of negotiations and the creation of agreements.
After such a discussion, partners obtain a document — a partnership agreement
The mediator's skills help them control the intensity of a conversation
We conduct a legal practice and will always
be able to ask a question that highlights risks or helps you choose the optimal scheme
The author of the technology is
Dmitry Grits
Dmitry Grits
Lawyer
Mediator
Managing Partner of the law firm "Grits & Partners"
Expert in building business partnerships
Mediator
Managing Partner of the law firm "Grits & Partners"
Expert in building business partnerships
He has held more than 150 partner sessions for entrepreneurs from different business areas.
EXPERIENCE
Based on real-life cases, he wrote a book for entrepreneurs titled "Business Lawyer. 20 legal consultations in plain language."
WRITING
10 years of experience as a trial lawyer, including corporate and other business dispute cases.
PRACTICE
If you still have
questions
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Here are some questions that you may have and our answers to them
If you still have
questions
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Here are some questions that you may have and our answers to them
To exchange world-views with your partner, who differently measures work efficiency, quantity of tasks, annual leave, and cost of living, and has a different social status or environment.
A business-partnership architect, who:
- understands how a business is built and operates;
- is able to facilitate and moderate a conversation;
- is versed in some legal issues.
- A partnership agreement, which is a formalised clear agreement with your partner on different future scenarios.
- During the session, you and your partner will answer upwards of 30 open questions, which will help you get to know each other better and look at the partnership in a new way.
Yes, you do, because it is not only your business, like that of everyone else, which is at stake, but also your social ties, and close relationships. Therefore, you need to discuss even more.
It is possible that something can change in an existing business — a new manager, relocation, external events beyond your control, or accumulated discontent. A partner session is needed to re-negotiate and synchronize taking new events into account.
A legal consultation is when a specialist gives recommendations on what you should/should not, or how it is possible/not possible to do something.
A partner session is broader — it is about comprehending the wishes and views of your partners, an open dialogue, and the creation of honest transparent agreements.
A partner session is broader — it is about comprehending the wishes and views of your partners, an open dialogue, and the creation of honest transparent agreements.
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How it went
Feedback from entrepreneurs
If you want to make your partnership long-term and effective, or decide whether you should create a partnership when starting your business — you are on the right track.
Submit a request
01
02
WE WILL CONTACT YOU
WE WILL SPECIFY ISSUES
03
To figure out the configuration of your partnership
WE WILL SCHEDULE OUR MEETING
Which will be important to discuss during
the session
the session
We will agree on a date and time
with you
with you
If you still have any questions, we will be happy to answer them
Submit a request
We will contact you shortly to find out about your partnership configuration
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Grits & Partners Law Firm LLC (PSRN (Primary State Registration Number): 1177746142320, TIN: 7728362312)
© 2023 All rights reserved.
Grits & Partners Law Firm LLC (PSRN (Primary State Registration Number): 1177746142320, TIN: 7728362312)
© 2023 All rights reserved.
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