The Goal is a book that influenced me over 25 years ago. The concepts are sound but i have gifted it to over 20 people since and a handful get it for what it is. However it isn’t a book about business and more a story about complexity and constraints applied to a theoretical business. I have never had occasions where there is an aha moment about a business i am in that literally is explained in The Goal.

It seems to me you have the makings of a good partnership and i have read your comments and it does look like you are committed. In my opinion you could shift to looking at how your customers view your business and working backwards. It might be that your answers are to be less self obsessed and more customer obsessed. Not saying you are not doing this already but in my view the hierarchy for a business prioritises the customer first and works backwards. Issues in your partnership can then be weighed against this mission. Good luck.