A few years ago, my parents and a family friend started a new business venture. As with most partnerships, the mismatch of goals and efforts eventually led to the splitting of the business. The split was filled with tension, and I had to step in and agreed to a split which was unfavorable to us.
I always kept thinking about that experience because it taught me how cold and unforgiving business can be. The most disappointing part was that it had come from someone who was like family to us.
Our relationship with that friend hasn’t been the same. The trust is simply not there.
I value relationships more than business. I don’t think one should think of business as a zero-sum game. We should all win. I rather lose money in business just to keep a relationship. Because in the end, I truly believe what matters in life is our relationship with people.