Entrepreneurs often complain about problems with their teams. Some can’t find talent. Others are tired of the infighting among “stars.” But the biggest complaints are about the low agency:
The team is not autonomous and needs constant supervision.
No one takes responsibility or they shift it onto others.
Everyone waits for someone else to make a decision.
Breakthrough ideas are not being proposed.
There’s no initiative.
The founder says, “I’d be happy to share the power, but with whom?” Why does this happen? One reason is that autonomy, initiative, and creativity have not been valued as core principles. For example, the company once obtained or created a monopoly, or its niche developed like the “rubber boom” in Peru.
In the past, the team was expected to execute flawlessly, with no room for error. As a result, the corporate body has taken its current form. The business is perfect for an era that has already passed.
The team urgently needs to change its approach, but for some reason, they don’t. The founder pushes them, flatters them, and threatens them, but there’s no response.
The problem is that the founder stands alone at the tip of the spear. With the highest motivation and the broadest perspective, the founder has long recognised and adapted to the tectonic changes. Everything is clear to him — the timing, the seductive prospects, and the nightmare of inaction.
So what should the founder do? Speak the “obvious” out loud.
This means clarifying the parameters of the 'journey' — where it's starting from, where it's going, how, and most importantly, what for. It’s amusing that when the founder shares what’s clear to him, it turns out that there’s still much to clarify.
Sincerely yours,
-Alexander
About me:
As a business therapist, I help tech founders quickly solve dilemmas at the intersection of business and personality, and boost company value as a result.
How can I help you?
If you've long been trying to understand what is limiting you and/or your business and how to finally give important changes a push, then The Catalyst Session is designed specifically for you. Book it here.