Has this always been your dynamic? If so, why has it specifically come up for you now?

Or is it something that has evolved gradually over time, and has built up to a point that it now needs addressing? If so, what is it about this point in time that signals a boundary has been crossed?

Or is it a new, recent change in your dynamic? If so, are you aware of what’s caused this change?

Take a minute to reflect on the journey that’s got you both to this point, and understand what that tells you.

Then consider what your individual responsibility is in this situation. To what extent are you allowing the micromanaging to take place, or perhaps unintentionally encouraging it? There’s two of you in this experience so it’s important to identify the role you play.

For example, what is your energy like when you engage with your business partner? How do you communicate with them? What story do you tell yourself about how your conversations will go?

If we take the perspective that only YOU control your thoughts, feelings and actions; how could you change the impact this has on you? What do you need to do to be able to deliver your best work and not feel micromanaged?

I appreciate that a conversation needs to be had. But it’s important to firstly be aware of the role you play as it allows for a more informed, constructive and positive conversation.

Then let’s think about addressing this and re-setting boundaries…

Could you frame this conversation as a partnership MOT to set you up for a successful 2025? Say you want to talk about how your partnership can evolve. Ask them to prep some thoughts on what’s working, what could be improved and any other ideas they might have. 

You say you want to address it without creating tension; so don’t come at it from a place of tension. You control the narrative in your head and therefore how you engage. The focus of the conversation is about hearing each other’s experience and ideas, and having a creative discussion from a place of good intention and understanding.

Approach it as a discussion about what’s possible for your partnership, rather than about what’s wrong. Can you feel what a different outcome that can create?