Dear Rachel,
I have a private business that has been doing well for years. However, just recently my business partner announced to me that she wants to follow through with a client who wants us to do something that is dishonest and wrong but will give us a greater image and the potential to make double on this deal than we normally would. My partner has threatened that if I don’t go along with the deal she will leave as my partner and start her own business. In the time I have known her, she often gets competitive and over the top intense. I am afraid that if I don’t go along with this, dealing with the situation of losing her as a business partner will be horrible to go through as her personality is so fierce, which is the opposite of me! Plus I will lose so much financially. On the other hand, my conscience tells me I can’t do this, I can’t be dishonest in business. What should I do??
Sincerely, Anonymous
Dear Anonymous,
I feel for you. But, just know that right now you are looking through all of this through the eyes of your emotions. But it is your intellect that knows what is right to do, regardless of how you feel. Sometimes we get tests in life. Some are more challenging than others, but you can be sure your current situation is definitely a test. You overcoming this test will build you into a stronger person than you are today. In Judaism we are told that the first question G-d will ask us after our life is, «Were you honest in business»? It’s the first question because money often brings out the greed in individuals and it takes a person with a strong character to overcome greed and remain true and honest. The «test», or challenge is what helps us to see how strong and capable we can be to do the right thing even when it’s difficult. Secondly, when you decide to do what is right, trust that everything else will fall into place the way it needs to be. It might be harder for you at first, but you will know that your dignity and good character is not for sale. And remember, no need to worry about your business partner because it is not her you are accountable to for your actions. Rather, you are accountable to yourself and to G-d. It also sounds like having to deal with your business partner’s harsh personality is a lesson you will have to go through in life in order to become stronger and wiser. We all have such lessons to go through whether it’s our parent, relative, spouse, boss or business partner. What is important is that you learn and you grow and stay true to who you are. B’hatzlacha!
All the very best, Rachel Trilokekar
Thank you to those who have e-mailed me with their questions. If you would like your question to be featured in the next issue of Ladies’ World, please e-mail: RachelTrilokekar@gmail.com
