David Gage Partnership Charter Review

A structured 60-minute session based on the David Gage partnership charter review process for co-founders to align on governance, roles, finances, and expectations.

6 time blocks, 60 minutes in total.

Time blocks

State of the Partnership Check-In: 10 min
Share personal updates, current stress levels, and emotional state
Core Values and Vision Calibration: 10 min
Revisit overarching company vision and align on personal motives
Roles and Decision Governance Review: 10 min
Review operational duties, authority boundaries, and decision rights
Financial and Equity Expectation Check: 15 min
Discuss compensation, reinvestment goals, and valuation views
Friction Points and Scenarios Walkthrough: 10 min
Address unspoken tensions and test hypothetical risk scenarios
Charter Amendments and Action Items: 5 min
Record agreed charter updates and assign immediate next steps

About this routine

The David Gage partnership charter review gives business partners a structured way to evaluate their relationship and operational alignment. Created by mediator and psychologist David Gage in his book The Partnership Charter, this process addresses core topics before minor disagreements turn into fatal company disputes.

Unlike operational check-ins that focus on daily tasks, this meeting examines the foundational health of the co-founder relationship. Partners review six core areas: personal expectations, shared vision, operational roles, financial governance, scenario planning, and dispute mechanisms.

Running this 60-minute review on a regular basis keeps expectations explicit. It creates a safe venue to surface unspoken friction and update agreements as the business evolves.

Why this routine works

Prevents co-founder fallout by surfacing implicit expectations early
Clarifies operational boundaries and decision-making authority
Aligns long-term financial goals and risk tolerance between partners

FAQ

What is a David Gage partnership charter review?

It is a structured alignment meeting where co-founders review their foundational business agreement, roles, equity expectations, and dispute protocols.

How is this different from a Gino Wickman Same Page Meeting?

A Same Page Meeting focuses on monthly operational alignment, while a charter review evaluates core ownership agreements, personal expectations, and long-term governance.

How often should partners review their charter?

David Gage recommends reviewing the charter annually or whenever major business transitions occur, such as raising capital or shifting roles.

Sources

The Partnership Charter: How To Start Out Right With Your Business Partner (and Stay Together), David Gage