The Lichen Protocol

Founders don't fail from lack of effort—but from misalignment. This diagnostic helps surface what's really going on.

Why this matters

This surfaces what's actually in the field—tension, energy, or momentum.

Examples
  • Alive: "I'm finally stepping into leadership I've avoided."
  • Strain: "I'm holding too many decisions and feel unseen."
Why this matters

Clarity is leverage. This tells us how focused your energy is.

Examples
  • 0 = "I'm reacting to everything and unsure what to focus on."
  • 5 = "I know exactly what matters and I'm moving on it."
Why this matters

Burnout is rhythm misalignment. This shows how your current pace is working.

Examples
  • 0 = "I'm rushing everything and skipping recovery."
  • 5 = "I'm in a sustainable and strong execution flow."
Why this matters

Disconnection from purpose leads to drift. This reveals if the emotional anchor is still strong.

Examples
  • 0 = "I don't know if I still believe in this."
  • 5 = "I'm fully lit up by what we're building."
Why this matters

This signals safety and trust. Low scores = withheld truth or unspoken tension.

Examples
  • 0 = "I'm holding back and avoiding hard conversations."
  • 5 = "We're speaking directly, even when it's hard."
Why this matters

This tracks where momentum is being created—or wasted.

Examples
  • 0 = "I'm doing a lot, but I'm not sure any of it matters."
  • 5 = "Almost everything I'm working on is moving the needle."
Why this matters

This helps us catch subtle system friction early, before it escalates.

Examples
  • "We're pretending we have product-market fit, but we don't."
  • "I'm getting quieter in meetings and I don't know why."