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Moderator Discussion Guide
Partnership Audit
This assessment examines the health and intentionality of key partnerships—business, marriage, investment, or otherwise. Partnerships that drift without explicit conversation often deteriorate slowly. The goal is to help participants evaluate whether their important partnerships are still aligned, still valuable, and still worth the investment.
PROMPT 1
Think of your most important partnership — is it still built on the same foundation it started on?
This question asks for historical reflection. Often partnerships evolve and the people don't notice. Listen for what the foundation was: shared mission, complementary skills, personality fit, mutual trust. Then ask: "Is that still true?" If someone says "I don't know anymore," that's revealing. The absence of clarity is itself important data. Help them articulate what the current foundation actually is.
PROMPT 2
What conversation with a partner have you been avoiding, and what's at stake?
People avoid conversations because they fear the outcome. By naming what's at stake, they often realize either: the conversation needs to happen, or the stakes aren't as high as they thought. Listen for what they're protecting—their comfort? The partnership? Their identity? Once they name what's at stake, ask: "What's the cost of not having this conversation?" Help them weigh options clearly.
PROMPT 3
How do you handle disagreements in your key partnerships — and is that working?
This reveals conflict patterns. Some people avoid conflict entirely; others engage but without resolution. Ask for a specific example: "Walk me through the last time you disagreed with a partner." How was it resolved? Did both people feel heard? Is there lingering resentment? The way people handle disagreement is a leading indicator of partnership health. If the pattern isn't working, it's fixable, but only if they see it.
PROMPT 4
When was the last time you and a partner explicitly discussed vision and expectations?
Many partnerships operate on implicit assumptions. "I thought we were building toward X" while the partner thought Y. These misalignments compound over time. If someone can't remember the last vision conversation, that's a flag. Ask: "What would happen if you had that conversation now? Would you be on the same page?" The discomfort in answering tells you whether this partnership needs attention.
PROMPT 5
What would it take for you to walk away from a partnership that isn't working?
This is the ultimate clarity question. What's your threshold? Some people stay in dysfunctional partnerships far longer than they should because they haven't defined exit criteria. Others leave too quickly without giving things a real chance. There's no right answer, but clarity matters. Ask: "Where is your partnership on that spectrum? Are you past your threshold, or is there more to invest?" Help them own the choice.
Tips for the Moderator
- Partnerships carry emotion. People may feel defensive about partnerships that aren't working, or guilty about considering exit. Hold space for that without judgment.
- Don't assume all partnerships should last forever. Sometimes the right outcome is mutual agreement to part ways.
- The most valuable partnerships are ones where both people explicitly choose to stay. Help people see the difference between staying out of obligation and staying out of genuine alignment.
- If someone brings up a partnership that's clearly toxic or unhealthy, you can gently name that. "It sounds like this partnership is draining more than it's contributing." Sometimes people need permission to acknowledge what they already know.
- Business partnerships often break down for reasons that have nothing to do with the business. Explore values alignment, communication patterns, and expectations.
- End by asking: "What's one conversation you want to have with a partner in the next 30 days?" Accountability matters.