Having a co-founder isn't just beneficial; it's often crucial, especially for first-timers.
But there's a catch: many fail at this because they lack fundamental human skills.
Communication.
Trust building.
Expectation setting.
Honesty.
I strongly believe all humans (except maybe 0.01%) are great people inside. It’s when they feel cheated, mistrusted, misunderstood, or lied to is when the bad stuff comes out.
All those bad emotions happen due to a lack of human skills.
The Core of Co-Founding
A successful co-founding relationship hinges on your human skills. Can't attract or vet a co-founder who complements you? Struggle with someone who's your opposite? Then, frankly, rethink starting a business. It's about being compassionate, patient, and clear in communication. It's about setting and managing expectations, being honest, and building trust.
Think of business partnerships like marriage. You need to work together, not against each other. Discuss the tough times when things are good. Consider a 'business prenup'. It’s all about navigating the hard conversations with empathy.
When someone says co-founders are a bad idea, it's often a sign of poor interpersonal skills.
In the end, business isn't just business – it's about being good humans to each other.