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“Partnering” by Jean Oelwang

Tangible lessons from 65+ of the world's most remarkable partnerships.

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5th Degree

Celebrate Friction

Take the heat out of conflict and turn it into learning opportunities. Ignite sparks of creative combustion for shared solutions and greater connection, staying all-in and focused on something bigger.

Watch the video above for a concise but meaningful overview of Celebrating Friction
Synergy. Martin Hill and Philippa Jones

Synergy. Martin Hill and Philippa Jones

Using our partnerships as safe spaces to learn how to disagree and how to turn friction into learning moments has never been more important. Celebrating friction can help us navigate a society prone to conflict, anxiety, and fear.

“[We believe in] giving a little space for the person to shine in their area and not focusing on the one part that may bug you. Instead, how about the other ninety- nine things this person does great? Just let those thrive and not focus on the points of tension as much. It’s like our mother taught us, you know, tell me something good; let’s start the meeting with what’s working together right now.”

Screenshot 2022-04-12 at 16.36.31 John Jacobs

“[Our purpose] allows us to disagree without being disagreeable. To argue loudly but persuade one another. And I think it’s those things, in my mind, that keep the partnership together. That sense of empathy. That sense of trust. That sense of we’re doing something for a higher purpose, fundamentally.”

Screenshot 2022-04-12 at 16.09.45 Jim Roth

“Disagree — never disrespect. The shared values are love, respect and trust. And communication. always agree on everything, but we always agree discuss, and I think that’s really important. I think that’s important for anyone, that you can have and discuss and disagree, but never disrespect.”

Screenshot 2022-04-12 at 16.38.06 Chris Redlitz

“Deal with things as they come, deal with them quickly, and move on, so that you can get back to enjoying life with one another.”

Screenshot 2022-04-12 at 16.39.04 Erika Boyd

“If you run into a bump, know that that’s normal and anybody who’s ever worked in partnership has hit a bump and it’s okay to do that and you’ll recover. I think that a more concrete tool to focus on is just being direct and honest about what the issue was… Find the person who you had an issue with and ask them what the issue was about and resolve it.”

Screenshot 2022-04-12 at 16.40.30 May Boeve

“We are happy each time we disagree, because we know we’re going to learn something new; it’s going to make some sparkles.”

Screenshot 2022-04-12 at 16.43.28 Bertrand Piccard

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