Split the meal by equipment as well as ingredients
Read the steps and circle every time someone needs the hob, sink, board, or oven. A couscous dish and a vegetable dish may look independent until both cooks need the same saucepan for ten minutes. Assign the equipment in sequence or choose a different side before starting.
Agree on one serving signal
Two people may both need the same pan, sink, or stretch of counter. Look for that conflict before starting. If there is room for one cook only, let the second person take the whole cleanup or make the shopping list instead of waiting in the kitchen for a turn.
Give each person a point at which to tell the other to start. “When the vegetables have ten minutes left, tell me to start the couscous” is actionable even if the vegetables run late. Saying only “both dishes should be ready at seven” leaves two people trying to predict the other's progress.
Make the handoff visible
Put each completed component where the person serving expects it, and state any unfinished step. “Dressing mixed; toss just before serving” is better than leaving an unmarked bowl by the sink. If dinner lands unevenly, note which tool or signal caused the delay before repeating the same division next time.