When you start you naturally do a lot more together as Co-Founders, but this shifts as the business evolves. This is unique to each situation, but some of the reasons include:

• Efficiency - that it’s not a good use of time to both be across everything

• Joy and / or skills - someone loves an area of the business and / or their skill set shines there, so they drive it more

• Autonomy - people want ownership in the business, which can slip into a tension in power dynamics

This becomes a challenge when it’s not discussed, which might be the case here? Did you have conversations about roles, responsibilities and decision-making as you grew? 

Have a look above and think what factors could be coming up, as understanding the cause for the shift helps know how to address it. You can’t assume how your partner perceives the situation, so I’d encourage you to discuss it. Have you expressed this? Do they also feel the tension? Be sure to ask what they see in this situation, how they feel about it, and LISTEN.

As part of this conversation, get clear on why collaboration is important to you. Understand the benefits it brings to you and the business and how you want it to work in practice (be specific).

How do you feel about your power dynamic? Are more decisions being made without your input across everything? Or within certain areas? Think of some examples to bring to your discussion, and how you see it going differently moving forward.

Are you clear on what you value about your partnership? Having an open conversation that reminds you why you’re in this together can be a powerful way to reset a team mindset.

Importantly, why does being left out of decisions make you feel a sense of friction? Be clear on what you think and feel when this happens, and ask yourself why? I say this without assumption, but for example, someone might have been left out of things before and this brings back that feeling, or it might prompt someone to question their role in the business. Be clear on the past experiences and beliefs you bring to the situation. 

At its core collaboration is a positive thing, so focus conversations on building a stronger team and business. Move forward rather than dwelling on past changes. If you keep that positive drive in mind, I hope it serves you to strengthen your partnership.