When you’ve got a toothache, going to your trusted shaman isn’t the best idea, no matter how skilled they are. The same goes for co-founders and the health of their relationship.

When I started my career as an investment banker in the early ’90s, co-founders looking to buy or sell their companies typically turned to their trusted contract lawyer or tax accountant. In their mind, merging businesses was all about crunching numbers and legal paperwork. Emotional and strategic factors didn’t really come into play, and working with an M&A advisor seemed “over the top.”

Fast forward to today. While deals still rely heavily on the work of lawyers and accountants, they are now led by M&A experts who understand the nuanced art of dealmaking.

When co-founders run into relationship problems that start to affect their business, however, they still turn to their familiar advisors: board members, management consultants, or executive coaches. While these trusted people play a crucial role in facilitating difficult conversations, they are not equipped to handle deeper emotional issues.

The truth is that co-founder disputes are rarely about money, strategy or who gets the corner office – they are mostly about hurt egos. To resolve deep-seated conflicts and concentrate on scaling their business, co-founders need someone who can:

(1) create a safe space

(2) help them find common ground, and

(3) work towards realigning their vision for growth.

This is real artwork; it requires a seasoned professional who combines a good grasp of relationship psychology, solid mediation skills, and hands-on experience with fast-growing businesses.

Smart co-founders will go out of the comfort zone and seek out experts who bring this know-how to the table. By doing so, they will not only alleviate the pain of discord but also reignite their passion for growing their business together.

Because when you have a tooth ache – you go to the dentist…