In business the relationships we build usually lead to transaction or collaboration deals. These are formalised by signing legally binding agreements. In that sense, agreements are a representation of the relationship and therefore should express the shared purpose, values and goals, as well as the anticipated way of working and conflict-resolution strategies. 

Unfortunately, most business agreements focus on establishing control and risk management, instead of building trust and fostering collaboration. Additionally, they are written based on standardised templates in a language that only lawyers can read and understand. As a result, the parties that enter an agreement, not only sign documents that they do not understand properly but also that do not express the essence of the relationship. These agreements are written by lawyers for lawyers and come out of the drawer only when there is a conflict and legal action is required. 

What if we could have business agreements that build and formalise value-based and resilient relationships? Agreements that give parties clarity on what their shared objectives are, foster trust in the collaboration and therefore bring confidence to take action.  

Relationship Design (RD) is a co-creative process that converges into these type of agreements. 

Throughout the process you’ll gain new skills of self-reflection, listening and creative solution-seeking. Finally, your agreement will be expressed in an easy to read and engaging document, that will enable you to take action and maintain the relationship. 

The Process

The unique RD process is rooted in two complementing methodologies: Mediation and Design Thinking. 

The purpose is the exploration and the design of a resilient relationship.  Parties express their motivations, needs and concerns to envision and align on the shape their collaboration needs to take. The process provides space for creative conflict and co-creation so that win-win scenarios are developed and trust is built. 

The Output

The output of RD is a tangible and simple expression of the agreements that have been made between parties. It is a tangible representation of the relationship. 

In most cases, it will be a document that summarises the shared purpose, values and goals, the way of working, governance and conflict resolution, as well as obligations and rights of each party. Even though it is a legally binding document it is written in a simple language that humans are able and want to read.

Is this for me?

Relationship Design is best suitable for long-term, collaboration- based relationships that:

• have a high degree of interdependence,

• operate in a changing context,

• and run the risk of termination along the way.

  Read below about services we offer to address unique challenges of different types of business relationships.

Family Businesses

Due to their relationship-based nature family, businesses face specific challenges. On one hand, there is a strong need to establish professional relationships, on the other, it is undeniable that personal and emotional connections will influence what’s happening in the business. RD supports families to explore and express the needs and motivations of all stakeholders. This becomes a base for conversations about plans, ambitions, ways of working, as well as strategies for conflict resolution. The process results in a well-defined and unambiguous family statute that enables all members to take action and contribute to the common vision.   

Founders

When starting a new venture with a partner it is necessary to sign a Shareholders Agreement. This agreement will guard the entire collaboration and therefore should not only express the shared vision and goals, but also the needs of each party as well as an established way of working and overcoming of future challenges the relationship will certainly face. RD enables each party to explore and express their needs, and co-creatively develop the base for the collaboration. The process converges into a simple, comprehensive and readable Shareholders Agreement, but most importantly into clarity and alignment between partners. 

Procurement

Entering into a long-term and complex contractual agreement with a supplier is always a risk. The agreements that guard these sort of relationships mostly focus on risk reduction. The RD approach draws attention to the purpose of the collaboration and aims at expressing the common goals and objectives in a clear way so that parties are aligned and confident that they are entering a mutually beneficial relationship. Additionally, future challenges are anticipated and a conflict-resolution model agreed upon. As a result parties build trust, increase confidence in the collaboration and can take action with clarity. 

Boards

Boards function in highly complex environments. Typically they function on a small number of contact moments and are composed of carefully selected individuals to ensure high-quality decision making. In their function as Board Members, individuals have to find ways to collaborate, cooperated and work cohesively whilst remaining independent and objective. Dynamics in a Board can greatly benefit or tremendously hinder its effectiveness. RD supports Boards by addressing the individual psychological as well as group dynamics. The result is a conflict competent, high-performing board culture.