My business partner thinks I'm slacking - here's what to do
dollhouse: wallpaper business
Fun fact: In 1675, Jean-Michel Papillon introduced repeating wallpaper patterns that could align across sheets—making full-room designs possible for the first time.
The issue:
Your business partner, Slavica, thinks you're slacking. In other words, you feel like you're being judged unfairly or misunderstood.
Let's say you and Serena own a wallpaper business.
An example:
Slavica has the impression that your love for occasional drinking gets in the way of your pattern-designing speed. Whether she thinks your hangovers cause the business to stall or that you'd rather put fun above work, you feel an annoyance radiating from Slavica about your drinking.
You know the value that you give to your business and that your fun nights out don't affect your work. You're not able to put a time limit on your creative process, and you're doing all that you can design as quickly as possible.
Two hidden costs:
- You feel like you're constantly expected to meet someone else's standards, which causes you to overwork or compensate in some way.
- You slowly build up resentment, as you feel that your contributions are being discounted.
The reasons:
Here are the reasons why Slavica thinks you're slacking (and/or):
- Her definition of "slacking" differs from yours.
- She feels that she's carrying extra weight for you in some way.
- She feels that you're not exerting effort in a way that meets expectations.
Your quick fix (honoring autonomy):
Your goal is to figure out what works best for you - speed, tasks, energy output, etc. - in a way that protects your peace and sense of balance. Slavica will need to adjust to your rhythm.
When we make choices from a place of needing to meet someone else's expectations rather than what truly works for us, we dishonor our sense of autonomy. We want a long-term, sustainable solution.
- Do you both agree on the definition of "slacking?"
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Do you both agree to spend your time working towards your goals in a way that naturally fits both of your rhythms?
If YES, you can make compromises.
If NO, you have a fundamental incompatibility - you each want to spend your time or energy in different ways.
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 what their expectations and work rhythm are like.
That will ensure compatibility in how you want to or are able to spend your time and energy to contribute to the business.