When SCOEN says “let's use the network,” SLOAN thinks “then it's not my achievement?”
SCOEN's strategic approach feels like it threatens SLOAN's self-esteem. Conversely SLOAN's stubbornness looks inefficient to SCOEN.
SCOEN says “there's a smarter way,” but SLOAN feels “so you don't trust me?”
Relationship playbook
Sitting at a cafe, when SCOEN opens a memo “who should I get help from for this project?”
SLOAN beside them closes their own files.
SCOEN wants SLOAN to borrow their network, and SLOAN feels the achievement is halved the moment they borrow it.
The same cafe, the same two hours, but one head turns toward people, one head turns inward.
“For these two to be together, SCOEN has to take SLOAN's independence as strength, not weakness. When SLOAN too knows SCOEN's network doesn't take away their achievement, these two become partners who make wise success.”