Framework
The Three-Question Mutualism Test
TL;DR
Use before entering any partnership, during annual partnership reviews, or when you suspect a relationship has become extractive.
A rapid diagnostic to classify any business relationship as mutualism, commensalism, or parasitism based on three fundamental questions about value creation, dependency, and growth alignment.
When to Use The Three-Question Mutualism Test
Use before entering any partnership, during annual partnership reviews, or when you suspect a relationship has become extractive. Takes 15-30 minutes per relationship.
How to Apply
1
Value Creation Test
Determine whether the relationship creates new value or just redistributes existing value.
Questions to Ask
- Does this relationship create new value that wouldn't exist otherwise?
- Or does it just redistribute existing value from one party to another?
Outputs
- Value creation assessment
2
Dependency Direction Test
Assess whether dependency is mutual or one-sided.
Questions to Ask
- After this relationship forms, can both parties still walk away without significant loss?
- Is dependency balanced or does one party need the other far more?
Outputs
- Dependency map
3
Growth Alignment Test
Check if one party's success automatically benefits the other.
Questions to Ask
- If one party becomes 10x more successful, does the other automatically benefit?
- Or does one party's growth come at the other's expense?
Outputs
- Growth alignment score