Albert knew when it was time to say goodbye……………………
A sign of a good business relationship is when both sides are happy. A bad business relationship is when one side isn’t……………
By Bill Rusteberg
Relationships must be based on trust, shared philosophies and expectations. Both sides must benefit. These foundational blocks build a three-legged stool. A two-legged stool never stands.
Knowing when to cut ties is easily apparent. You know the signs – emotional drain, high maintenance costs requiring disproportionate time, unreasonable expectations, repeated failure to act on common-sense fact-based recommendations, and scope of services creep are just a few. Resources needed for better clients are wasted.
Honesty, respect and gratitude are important to a great relationship and both sides have an interest in treating each other with these values at all times.
Years ago, Albert, a group representative for a major health insurance company, landed the Harlingen Independent School District. That was a major coup for Albert. He replaced Blue Cross which had been the district’s carrier for many years.
Trouble started right away with employees complaining about the new health plan. “Blue Cross had better benefits, my doctor is not in the new network, my husband has cancer and no one will take our insurance – he’s going to die…………………! A mob grew and management did nothing to quell the revolt. Instead, they lent a sympathetic ear fueling mob anger. School board trustees remained aloof and silent.
This went on for months. Employees were unhappy which made staff unhappy which in turn made Albert and his staff unhappy too. No one was happy. The mob was in power. Hysteria reigned.
Albert had enough. He delivered his renewal in person towards the end of the contract year. “We are non-renewing your contract.” he told the stunned superintendent, “You’re unhappy, we’re unhappy, so let’s part ways so we can both be happy.”
And so, they did.
Albert came by our office right after delivering his bombshell renewal. “Bill, let’s go have a beer and celebrate, I just fired Harlingen Independent School District!“
“Albert, you just walked away from a major account!” I said. “No worries Bill, I’ll replace it!”.………..and he did.
Severing a relationship that makes no sense, where no one is happy, is soul cleansing. Enormous pressure transforms to quiet tranquility, a feeling of new found freedom brings long sought happiness back again.
Albert knew it was time to part ways. Most don’t. They continue to cling to a paycheck although the cost of suffering is often far greater. Happiness is for weekends only.
Albert has since retired and lives in Dallas. He spends his time traveling the world in search of spinsters but when he’s not, he’s often seen polishing his Lamborghini in between checking his rental properties and watching the stock market.