Take the assessment below, individually. Consider each question as it relates to your current or future partnership. (Yes, No, or Unsure)

 

1. My partner and I trust each other. Y N U

2. My partner and I have a relationship with each other outside of business. Y N U

3. This business is an equally high priority for both my partner and me. Y N U

4. My partner and I have or are putting together a professional team of experts (lawyer, CPA, trusted advisors, etc.) that are knowledgeable, trustworthy and accessible. Y N U

5. My partner and I agree on the vision, purpose and long term goals of the business. Y N U

6. My partner and I talk regularly about everything that causes tension between the two of us and arrive at a win/win resolution that I feel good about. Y N U

7. My partner and I have a plan to solve disagreements regarding the business in a win/win manner. Y N U

8. My partner and I have discussed and are in agreement on various exit strategies depending on life or market events. Y N U

9. My partner and I agree on the degree of risk to take financially. Y N U

10. My partner and I like each other. Y N U

11. My partner and I each have a clear job description/role, and are happy with it. Y N U

12. I feel completely heard, understood, validated, and appreciated by my partner. Y N U

 

Total your Yes (Y) answers to determine your place on the scale below:

 

How might cofounder counseling apply to my company?

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0-5: Things are on a shaky foundation right now. Counseling would be very helpful for you to

work on turning more answers into yes, and protecting your business.

6-9: You are halfway there. Work to get to the next level, smooth out the sticking points, and

prevent eventual discord.

10-12: You are well on the way to success. Keep building on what is working, maintain your

progress over time, and prepare in advance for unexpected setbacks and difficulties.

 

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*Based on Dorene Lehavi, PhD’s “Business Partnership Success Meter”