Why can’t I or my managers do this?

No one knows your business as well as you and your management team, but restructuring relationships and/or obtaining better terms and conditions from third parties that can sustain or enhance the relationship requires a business-friendly process, artful insight and creative, collaborative strategies. You might find these “difficult discussions” challenging to reach your goals and also maintain the relationship. Also, some managers lack effective negotiation skills.

Why can’t my attorney handle this?

While attorneys can be helpful with contracts and agreements from a legal perspective, not all attorneys are talented negotiators with keen business insight, and may lack strong interpersonal skills necessary to conclude a beneficial outcome. All too often, attorneys employ an adversarial style that may be appropriate when relationships have eroded and litigation is imminent or under way, but can be detrimental to preserving, strengthening or realigning a relationship.

When should I consider restructuring contracts/agreements?

Ideally, it’s advisable to begin the process before the situation reaches critical mass that evokes desperation and tension. However, urgency does not preclude successful negotiation. Creative, collaborative strategies and effective communication can forge reciprocal value that delivers cost savings and/or enhanced revenue.