Some companies are like a horseman with no head at all. That is, all the elements (horse, harness, rider, gallop) are there, but something is missing. And don't let the regalia of management and levels of organizational structure deceive you. Yes, the company is moving steadily, but like a sleepwalker who is sound asleep at the moment. Either the market is creating traction, or the inertia of past successes, or the occasional jolt from within. But despite the bustle of the sailors and the whistles of the bosun, there is no one at the helm.
Where has the captain gone? Oh, there could be many reasons. Perhaps he was too tired from the long voyage, burned out and locked himself in his cabin. Or maybe he realised his ship was lost at sea and went into anabiosis. Or perhaps, imbued with the ideas of universal equality, he voluntarily resigned his post. Either way, the purposeful movement has disappeared - there is no one to set the course.
All the necessary elements are there, but there is no coordinating idea: "For what? And without a function, any form, even the most elaborate, is meaningless. And it's not even about the answer, because there are many ready to offer an inspiring goal.
The point is that there is no one willing to take personal responsibility for everything. When you are blamed even when fate has treated you unfairly. When no one will thank you after you have saved everyone with a colossal effort. When a decision has to be made in total uncertainty, alone, here and now. Most people are not prepared to make such sacrifices. Leadership is a heavy burden, not an intoxicating power.
So my first question during the diagnosis is, "Is the founder fulfilling his function?"
Yours sincerely,
-Alexander
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