When describing the foundations of their business partnerships, people declare that they have, among other things, common goals. However, in setting up partnerships, it often becomes clear, and unexpectedly so for the partners themselves, that their understanding of goals differs and that defining them requires a specific conceptual framework.
It would seem that shared, common, similar, identical, and unified are just a series of synonyms. Few can see the difference, but in fact, it is significant, and understanding it allows for the precise positioning of partners and reaching mutual understanding.
Let’s look at the difference:
Similar – these goals are similar in nature or direction but may differ in details or scale. Similar goals mean that partners have the same or a close vision of the end result, but approaches to achieving them may differ. For example, partners both want to buy cars for personal purposes: one seeks comfort and safety, and the other increases off-road capability and the ability to travel long distances with luggage. Both choose crossovers because they meet both requirements but choose different makes and models.
Identical – goals that completely coincide and are identical for all participants. Identical goals indicate full agreement between partners about what they want to achieve and how to do it. There are no differences in vision and priorities. When buying cars, partners choose the same make, model, and color with the same functions and features.
Common – these goals are relevant and significant for all participants in the relationship. Having common goals means that each partner understands the importance of these goals and is ready to work towards achieving them. However, it does not necessarily mean everyone will contribute equally or have the same interest in these goals. Partners want to buy cars for personal use. Each of them is interested in fuel economy and the reliability of the car, so they both choose hybrid cars, but of different makes and costs.
Shared goals are achieved through the joint efforts of all participants. They imply active cooperation and coordination of actions. To achieve them, close interaction and mutual assistance are necessary. Partners decide to buy one car for both to use jointly for commuting and weekends. They jointly choose the model, share the costs, and agree on a usage schedule.
Unified – goals that unite participants into a whole and imply full integration of efforts and resources. Unified goals mean not only a common vision and joint efforts but also a harmonious merging of interests and actions of the participants. This is a deeper unity compared to common or shared goals. Such goals are closer to religious practice or ideological activity and are more likely to go beyond business relationships. If we try to give an example using a car, it might look like this: partners decide to buy one car for corporate use, which will be a symbol of their joint business and used for business trips and representative purposes. They strive to choose a car that will be functional and highlight their corporate image and values.
Understanding and differentiating types of goals is a sign of conscious partnership, which is easiest to achieve through regular, planned partnership alignments. You dot all the i’s and continue your acceleration in the chosen direction.
