stoolThree legged stools are a metaphor that I use to provide context around building a relationship with you.

My father used to milk a cow, without a stool, as he invariably did that out in the paddock. While I learnt how to do the same it wasn't until I was in 4th grade when I learned about why three-legged stools, had three legs.

You do know why many stools have only three legs?

It's because in times gone by when cows were milked in a shed by hand, the floor area was never flat or level and a four-legged stool was unstable. But a three-legged stool is always stable even if the floor is badly tilted or warped.

If you had the choice, wouldn't you want your business seated on a three-legged stool so it could weather any kind of uneven business conditions?

When we first get together we conduct a subjective assessment in relation to three core areas (our three legged stool) of the foundation of our relationship.

Like

Like in this sense, is about having similar values, ethics and a shared view of what is the potential for the business. If we are to be working together on an intensive basis over an initial three month period then having alignment in this area is paramount.

Trust

Do you trust me to act in your best interests? Do I trust you to have an open and honest discussion as to how you arrived at the place you are at, and any of the foibles the business may have? If not then trust isn't something we have in each other.

Respect

If either of us does not respect the other, where we have each come from, our respective skills and attributes then the relationship will flounder.

In then going forward and working with you on your project, I apply another three words to our interactions.

Care

My role as a catalyst for change for your business, is to care for the business, absolutely.

Protect

I work at all times to protect the business or project and those on your team.

Guide

You receive guidance, assistance and support, as a Sherpa, as your business progresses through the pathway of change.

That’s how the three-legged stool ties into powerful business relationships. Happy clients, happy facilitators, improved business outcomes.

If any one of these three "legs" is short on, or broken then the ability for us to work together to create a bigger future for your business is not likely to happen.