Throwing the baby out with the bathwater isn’t the best strategy, or is it?

In business, it’s normal to run into arguments or problems. How we deal with these issues can really affect what happens to the business, the people working there, and everyone else involved. 

Sometimes, people want to solve these problems quickly, like by selling parts of the business or ending partnerships. But, is that always the smartest move? 

Or is it like the old saying goes, “throwing out the baby with the bathwater”? I’ve been around for a few years, and that saying may not be familiar to those of you who are younger than me. But it’s a great analogy of what people think might be best for resolving disagreements.

If you haven’t heard that saying before, it means making a big reaction that ends up tossing out something good while trying to get rid of something bad. 

It’s super relevant when we’re talking about sorting out business disagreements, especially with something called a rehabilitative receiver.

What’s a Rehabilitative Receiver Anyway?

Let’s say a business is having trouble inside, maybe between people who run it or family members in a family business. A rehabilitative receiver is someone who can come in not just to handle or sell stuff but to fix the business and come up with a solution that keeps its value and history intact. 

I’ve sold a lot of assets in my lifetime and I think a former sales mentor of mine said it best. “you have one opportunity to monetize something that you’re going to sell”. 

So, if selling an asset is the best solution, you should make sure that you have explored all options, before you sell something that people have a strong emotional attachment to.

This isn’t about just selling everything to pay off debts; it’s about finding smart, positive ways to make everyone happy.

A Real Example

Here’s a story from my own experience: there was this family business where two main people just couldn’t agree. One of them had poured their heart and soul into the business and didn’t want to sell it. The trick was to respect that dedication while fixing the issue.

By really listening to everyone and understanding what they wanted, we managed to arrange for the person who didn’t want to sell to buy out his “partner’s” share. 

This solved the problem and kept the business in the family, protecting its legacy and all the effort that went into it.

The Power of Taking It Slow and Talking It Out

This story shows what rehabilitative receivership is all about. It’s more than just dealing with property; it’s about paying attention, understanding, and finding a way forward that respects everyone’s emotional and financial investment. 

It highlights why it’s important not to rush into selling or breaking up what’s been built, but rather to look at every option to keep the business’s integrity and future safe.

Steps to Solve Business Disagreements

If you’re running into business troubles, here are some steps to think about before making any big decisions:

  • Stop and Think: Take some time to really get what’s going on and what it means.
  • Get Some Help: Think about bringing in someone neutral, like Roy Jackson, who can see things differently and help find a solution.
  • Look at All Choices: Search for smart solutions that keep the business valuable and meet everyone’s main needs.
  • Talk It Out: Keep talking to everyone involved to make sure all concerns and ideas are out in the open.
  • Plan for the Future: Try to find solutions that will keep the business going strong and look after everyone involved.

In the end, while the fastest solution might seem tempting, it’s often not the best call. As I have said many times before, doing the hard work and sitting down with all parties to hear what they want and what their part is in the problem can often lead to resolution.

So, if you aren’t willing to throw the baby out with the bathwater, contact Roy Jackson. Our team can help you resolve your conflicts and reach a mutual solution.