When we feel lingering tension we need to acknowledge that this is OUR experience of the situation, we have no idea what’s going on for our partner.

So let’s focus on what’s within your control here and all the things you can do. Yes there’s two of you in this situation, but you have the power to influence how YOU behave, how you show up, and how you want to address this.

Firstly, you say it’s been a tough few months, so as an individual what have you learned? Perhaps you’ve tested your business and financial skills, evolved your team management skills, learned how you respond to disagreements etc. Think about the objective benefits of this experience and what it’s taught you as a Founder and about yourself.

I’d then ask you, what do you need to be able process this experience and move forward? Sit with that and write out some reflections. If something is lingering, it’s often a sign there’s something left unsaid or something not fully understood, so how might that be true for you?

Have you had an open conversation with your Co-Founder to voice that you’re feeling lingering tension? If not, what’s holding you back from that? Intuition might tell you they feel the tension too, but relying on assumption without any confirmation only heightens the situation. So it’s important to discuss it.

I’ve got a guide on how to talk to your Co-Founder about your partnership, so check it out, and think about: 

• Where are you having this conversation

• How would you set it up to let them know you want to discuss your partnership / your dynamic

• What is it you want to talk about

• How can it be kept neutral and constructive 

• What is the desired outcome 

Remember that when we have these conversations, it’s not about getting back into the disagreement, it’s about understanding each other’s experience and finding the best way to move forward. Ask questions. Listen. Accept their perspective without judgement. Focus the conversation on what you’ve learned, the partnership you want to build, and how you can get there. 

You’ve got this! You know where I am if I can help.