Your partner in startup growth is falling short. How can you navigate their unfulfilled promises?

If your startup partner isn’t meeting their promises, start by identifying the specific issues and communicating them clearly. Document all agreements and communications. Work together to find solutions, such as adjusting milestones or providing additional support. Assess whether the partnership is still beneficial and consider if it’s time to part ways if necessary. Consult a legal advisor if there are contractual obligations. Lastly, develop a backup plan in case the situation doesn’t improve. This approach helps address the issues effectively while maintaining professionalism.

One thing I’ve found helpful when a startup partner falls short is to address it directly. Assess the impact, have an open dialogue, set clear goals, explore alternatives, review legal aspects, and decide on the future. Stay professional and seek network support to keep your startup on track.

In the dynamic world of startups, partnering up can be a game-changer. But what happens when your growth partner falters? It's time for a reality check. First, assess the situation objectively. Is this a one-off glitch or a recurring pattern? Pinpoint the areas where your partner is underperforming and understand the impact on your startup's journey. Armed with this knowledge, engage in an honest conversation. Remember, clear communication is key. Focus on solutions, not blame. Explore possibilities to realign expectations and ensure that both parties are committed to achieving the shared vision.

Always assume positive intent. - Assess the goal difficulty. - Assess the progress (the goal may not be achieved, but there was progress). - Identify the blockers and review them (the goal may be unachieved because of external factors).

David Cohen has a great rule for going into difficult conversations: "Assume good intent." Until you have reason to assume otherwise, you should alway believe the other person is approaching the situation fairly and reasonably.

Having clear, open and honest conversations is key in such situations. I believe also being prepared for the potential for conflict as there is a potential for defensive behaviour is necessary. As such mentally preparing yourself to remain calm and objective will be key. I believe it’s crucial as leaders to get some form of communications training too, so as to help manage such situations. This is especially true because the startup environment isn’t for the faint hearted and there is a lot of pressure to succeed.

First, assess the situation objectively. Is this a one-off glitch or a recurring pattern? Pinpoint the areas where your partner is underperforming and understand the impact on your startup's journey. Next, initiate an open dialogue. Share your concerns honestly, backing them up with examples, but avoid assigning blame. Actively listen to their perspective as well—there may be challenges you haven't considered. By approaching the conversation with a collaborative spirit, you can work together to find solutions, realign expectations, and get your partnership back on track. Remember, every setback is an opportunity for growth. When you address challenges head-on and find ways to overcome them together, Partnership emerges stronger...

First, assess the situation objectively. Is this a one-off glitch or a recurring pattern? Pinpoint the areas where your partner is underperforming and understand the impact on your startup's journey. Next, initiate an open dialogue. Share your concerns honestly, backing them up with examples, but avoid assigning blame. Actively listen to their perspective as well—there may be challenges you haven't considered. From there, set clear, achievable benchmarks together. These are specific goals your partner agrees to meet within a defined timeframe. Schedule regular check-ins to track progress, address any new issues, and adjust benchmarks as needed.

- Use S.M.A.R.T Goals - Break down each goals into Key Results - Each Key Results should fit a (week / month / quarter) timeframe

First and foremost, open communication is key. Address the issue directly, focusing on solutions rather than blame. Set clear expectations and establish measurable benchmarks for progress. If, despite your best efforts, the partnership remains stagnant, don't hesitate to explore alternatives. Remember, your startup's success shouldn't hinge on a single entity. Seek out additional partners or resources that align with your vision and can fill the existing gaps. Having a diverse network of support not only mitigates risk but also opens doors to new opportunities and perspectives. By proactively adapting and seeking solutions, you can ensure your startup remains on a trajectory of growth.

If it's not on paper, it does not exist; you cannot be too precise. If the goals have an impact or monetary implications like vesting shares, you want to make sure they are contractually connected to results.