Stuart and the City
What I really enjoy about my role as consultant in an operations consultancy, is the diversity of the work and how it arrives with me. Out of the blue, a couple of weeks ago, I received a call from an old neighbour of mine. His wife is a financial director of a small advertising agency owned in equal partnership by two very talented and successful guys. He explained that she (Elaine) was really concerned that the bickering between the two was now all too often turning into full-scale rows. They were tearing the company apart and all her energy was being spent on acting as the go-between and peacekeeper rather than actually doing her job of ensuring the financial stability of the company. She did not feel that she could broach the subject in the usual manner of introducing a business strategist or psychologist because the guys would claim that their relationship was fine and that they aren't Saatchi & Saatchi. So Elaine, remembering the many evenings out on our decking at home listening to the various stories about my own relationship with my business partner Jon Hewett, wondered whether an informal meeting with her and the guys would at least get them talking. From my own experience and that of fellow colleagues, partnerships are not easy relationships to define or help. I always compare them to a cross between a marriage and a sibling relationship/rivalry – its okay for the two people involved to argue and moan about each other but woe betide anyone else doing it or jumping in hoping to help. Certainly my own experience was that there were days when, if I had had a sharp object in my hands, I would now be serving a prison term and I am sure Jon was the same. Equally there are days now when I wish we still worked together because our combined strengths and the fun we had together were very potent.I telephoned Elaine and after much discussion I reluctantly agreed that she could stage-manage a meeting at her flat, which she considered to be a neutral and confidential place. She would introduce me as a well-connected City friend staying for a few days and an interesting chap who had started up and sold his own business. As it was blisteringly hot, I suggested a few beers and a simple barbecue. She came up with the most elaborate menu but I suggested that she bought some simple ingredients that we could put together quickly and easily. After many emails, I gave her a shopping list and agreed that it might be easier if she helped me make chili prawns, homemade burgers (a special in the Everson household) and she could make some of her exquisite ice-cream ahead of the evening.The due evening arrived and I decided to spring a little stage management of my own, only to be piped at the post! As the guys arrived Elaine suddenly announced that she didn't have enough beers and would have to go and get some more and could we just introduce ourselves and make ourselves at home etc. (she should never, ever take up business psychology!) The guys clearly knew exactly what was going on but had decided to go along with it. So, in for a penny in for a pound, I divided up the tasks and got them helping each other to prepare the accompaniments while I tried to look terribly talented over the burger mix and prawns. After the (even though I say it myself) wonderful prawns, burgers, ice cream and far, far too many beers, they suddenly asked what my diagnosis was. There was no point doing the, “I don't know what you’re talking about” routine so I replied that I felt they had only one simple decision to make – did they want to dissolve the partnership or not – “What? No psychobabble?” they asked, to which I replied, “You came here tonight smelling a rat, you clearly enjoy working together” - they put together the accompaniments for the meal and set the table like two 1950’s housewives, and the stories over the beers were not those of two people that hated each other and working together but that of two people that had forgotten how much they enjoyed being a partnership and how good they are together as a partnership. Nicholson Mc Bride eat your heart out – all you need is good burgers, good weather and copious amounts of beers. A couple, a family, a business that's eats together really does stay together!!! – I definitely have had too much sun but its lovely playing business cupid on a sunny evening on a deck breathing in the intoxicating City air. I maybe in need of a holiday!
Stuart Everson co-founded City based Everson Hewett, now part of Restaurant Associates. He now manages his advisory company Everson and Partners and is part of the EP Evolution network.For more information about
EP Evolution please contact Chris Sheppardson,
chris.sheppardson@epmagazine.co.uk.