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the rest of the relationship will be smooth sailing. While it�s true that finding
someone with shared values and vision can put you on the path to success, you have
to remember that strong business relationships don�t materialize out of thin air.
Reliable co-founder relationships are built over long periods of time, and they are
only at their best when both parties put in a continuous effort to strengthen and
maintain them.
Without a commitment to honesty flowing both ways, the partnership is doomed from
the beginning. Nothing will erode trust in the relationship more quickly than even
the suspicion of dishonesty from one party, and once it�s gone it�s incredibly
difficult to regain.
You must make it clear that you expect complete honesty from your partner as well.
If there is a breach of trust early in the relationship, talk to your co-founder
privately and explain to them there will be a zero-tolerance policy for dishonesty
from then on. Tell them you respect them, your employees and the company enough to
always disclose the truth, and you expect the same of your business partners.
For example, what do you do if an employee pulls the classic kid move of going
behind one parent�s back after their request has been denied, and mentioning
nothing to the other parent about it?
The best way to guard against such scenarios is to collaborate early in the
partnership and decide who will take ownership of distinct parts of the business.
Record these divisions of duties in writing and let your team members know so they
can ask the appropriate partner when they have requests. Then, you have to respect
the authority of your partner to make decisions within their sphere.
If you have qualms about the big picture management of their departments then you
should address these issues with them in private, rather than using your status as
co-founder to contradict their decisions in front of employees.
If you have a co-founder, then they are one of the few people who uniquely
understand what you�re going through, so lean on them. I�ve been fortunate to have
co-founders who I can connect with inside and outside of the office who support me
as I grow both personally and professionally.
Talk rationally and respectfully about the issue at hand to ensure you and your
partner ultimately get on the same page and reach an agreement that is best for the
company moving forward.
Along with this advice, remember not to take these disagreements personally. Your
co-founder isn�t attacking your character, they are taking a stand because they
care deeply about the future of the company, just like you. You each have the
common ground of wanting to find the optimal solutions, so remain dedicated to this
task throughout any disagreements. Once a decision has been made, make your peace
with it and move on.