Ask Alee

Q: So basically, I own a brand with my friend and it is a shared partnership. But recently, I feel like he has not been listening to me and taking my opinion. I have expressed this severally and he has agreed to changing and taking my word seriously. Unfortunately however, it has not been the case. He still does not listen to me. The worst is that he goes to other people for advice and help instead of coming to me. He implements my advice and suggestions but only because other individuals with less knowledge on the topic (or just irrelevant) have told him to do so. I do not know what to do. Should I leave? Should I stay?

I believe you should give him one more chance. You worked hard to create that business with him and it’s still yours too. Although you’ve given him multiple chances, I think that you should express all the points you’ve made, including the fact that if he does not change then you will be leaving the company. If even after that he refuses to take you seriously then it’s time to go.

If you’ve communicated this multiple times and your friend refuses to change then it’s time to leave. If he truly respected you as a friend and business partner he would make the effort to take you seriously and work with you.

While it might be hard to leave because you started the business together and it’s yours just as much as it is his, you can’t stay in a situation where the other person doesn’t respect you or treat you like an equal.

In addition, it’s unfair of him to go to other people for advice without consulting his partner and disregarding your opinion on the matter. Especially when they agree with your suggestions. I’m sure when you leave he’ll start to realise how important you were for the company.