My business partner has the "better" role - here's what to do

dollhouse: antiques shop

Fun fact: In the U.S., an item is generally considered an antique if it’s at least 100 years old. Items newer than that are usually classified as vintage.

The issue: 

Your business partner, Rose, has the tasks or role that feel more desirable to you than your own. In other words, you don't really love your role or identity within the partnership.

Let's say you and Rose run an antiques shop together.

An example: 

Rose is the face of your shop - she's great at customer service, speaking to people, and building a network.

You on the other hand, are less socially oriented and happen to be great at finding new items. So you're assigned to go to flea markets every week to scout new antiques.

The problem is that you really don't like waking up early and driving to these markets, nor do you truly enjoy sourcing items.

You want to be in Rose's role, but your current roles seem to suit your personalities and strengths. 

Two hidden costs:

1. Even if you perform well, disliking your role can show up as lower energy, less output, or resistance over time.
2. You start to become resentful, and that will likely leak out towards your partner.

The reasons:

Here are the reasons why you might feel Rose has the "better" role (and/or):

• Her tasks or role bring her various rewards that your role / tasks don't bring you.
• She seems happier or less stressed than you.
  

Your quick fix (honoring autonomy): 

Your goal is to make sure that you are happy with your role and identity within your partnership.

Roles and tasks should be assigned based on both strengths and sense of fulfillment.

• Are you both willing to divide your tasks in a different way that still incorporates personality and natural strengths
• Do you both agree to the potential risks of shifting roles?
  

If YES, you can make compromises.

If NO, you have a fundamental incompatibility - your natural strengths, personality, and likes / dislikes are not complementary.

Mending your partnership:

Book a consultation with Valerie.

Vetting for the future:

If you are searching for a business partner in the future, first figure out if your natural strengths and personality are complementary in an aligned way.

This ensures that you both can play the role you want without fighting each other for it.

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