Founder Mode is like teenage sex: everyone talks about it, nobody really knows how to do it, everyone thinks everyone else is doing it, so everyone claims they are doing it.
Let's dive into what founder mode actually is. The core are three principles that founders, managers and executives need to practice:
- Strategic Involvement: Founders maintain deep engagement in key areas while empowering teams to handle day-to-day operations.
- Vision Guardianship: Leaders ensure every decision aligns with the company's core mission, preserving the founding ethos.
- Adaptive Leadership: Founders pivot between hands-on problem-solving and high-level strategy as the situation demands.
Practices to Master Founder Mode
Selective Deep Dives
Regularly immerse yourself in critical projects to maintain insight and inspire innovation.
Immediate Action: Identify the top three strategic initiatives and schedule weekly deep-dive sessions with the respective teams.
Empowerment through Trust
Build a strong leadership team capable of executing the founder's vision independently.
Immediate Action: Conduct a "trust audit" of your direct reports. For those you trust least, create a 30-day plan to either build trust or reassign responsibilities.
Scalable Communication
Develop systems to maintain the founder's presence and vision across a growing organization.
Immediate Action: Implement a bi-weekly "Founder's Corner" communication to share insights, celebrate wins, and reinforce company values.
Outcomes
Inspired Organization
When leaders model the perfect blend of hands-on leadership and trust in their team, it creates a highly motivated workforce.
Scalable Excellence
By balancing personal involvement with effective delegation, the company can maintain its founding spirit while growing rapidly.
Authentic Leadership
A well-executed Founder Mode translates to authentic leadership that resonates with employees, customers, and stakeholders alike.
Keep in Mind
Bottleneck Prevention
Regularly assess your involvement to ensure you're not becoming a bottleneck in decision-making or execution.
Burnout Risk
The intensity of Founder Mode can lead to burnout. Prioritize self-care and set clear boundaries.
Succession Readiness
Develop a succession plan that preserves the founder's vision while allowing for fresh perspectives and growth.