We are struggling to agree on our 10-Year Target on our V/TO because our co-founders have completely different visions for the ultimate scale and exit of the company. How do we resolve this strategic deadlock?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

When co-founders disagree on the 10-Year Target™ on their V/TO®, it paralyzes the entire business because you cannot build a unified short-term plan without knowing the destination. To break this deadlock, you must separate your personal aspirations from what is best for the business entity. Start by having an honest, facilitated conversation about your individual personal goals. Often, the conflict is not about the business itself, but about how the business serves your personal lives. Once those personal motivations are on the table, use your Core Values and Core Focus™ as a filter. Ask yourselves which 10-Year Target™ is the most realistic and compelling vehicle for the company, given your current market strength and capabilities. If one founder wants a hundred-million-dollar exit and the other wants a stable, multi-generational family business, you have a fundamental alignment issue. You must resolve this using IDS® during a deep-dive session. You cannot compromise on a middle-ground target like fifty million if neither founder actually wants that outcome. Be vulnerably honest, identify the underlying fears, and choose one clear path that you can both commit to supporting.