When It’s Time to Kick Your Co-Founder Off the Plantation (Gently, of Course)

In the previous article "How to Handle a Co-Founder Who’s Not Pulling Their Weight (Without Blowing Up the Partnership)" I spoke about how to not blow up the partnership, in this one I look at what to do if things don't get better.

Getting rid of a co-founder who’s just not cutting it? Yeah, it’s messy, but here’s how to handle it without turning everything into a soap opera.

First, check if they’re truly slacking, or if you’re just pissed off. Are they honestly dropping the ball, or are you just annoyed because things aren’t lining up the way you want? Stress can twist things, so look at their performance with as much honesty as you can muster.

Then comes the conversation. Yep, it’s uncomfortable, but dodging it just makes things worse. Sit them down, no sugarcoating, and lay it all out. Ask if there’s a reason for the slowmo. Maybe they don’t even realize they’re slipping up.

This might not even be about slacking; sometimes the lines have just gotten blurry. Go over who’s handling what, and make sure it’s crystal clear. Less toe-stepping, more things actually getting done.

And before assuming it’s all about work, consider that personal stuff could be holding them back. A bit of empathy here can go a long way and sometimes that’s all that's needed to reset and get back in the game.

Once you’re clear on the issues, it’s time for a reboot. Set some fresh, realistic goals and make sure you’re both on the same page. A restart can do wonders, but don’t just assume one chat fixes everything. Keep an eye out without hovering, just make sure progress is happening.

If things still feel shaky, call in some backup. A neutral third party—a mentor, advisor, or mediator—can help you both find common ground before it all blows up.

Handling a co-founder who’s dragging their feet isn’t fun, but it doesn’t have to be a disaster. Clear conversations, firm boundaries, and a little empathy can make all the difference.

But if none of that works, don’t hesitate to make the tough call. You’ve got a business to protect, and sometimes that means ripping off the band-aid and moving on.

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