Managing Founder-Employee Power Dynamics: Avoiding the “Cult of Personality” Trap
The influence founders wield can breed unhealthy power dynamics if mishandled. Without intentional checks, your authority can become absolute and toxic. Here’s how to lead ethically and empower your team. Founder Authority Can Distort Judgement As a startup founder, you may unconsciously: Beware of distorted mindsets that accompany founder hero worship and authority. Symptoms of […]
Founder Transitioning Out? How to Build Company Culture Beyond You (Succession Planning)
As a start-up founder, your influence shapes early company culture dramatically. But smart founders proactively build cultural resilience beyond any one person. Here’s how to ensure your values outlast you. Why Founders Leave Common reasons for founder transitions: Whatever prompts your exit, lay cultural groundwork ahead of time for continuity. Avoid Overreliance on You Companies […]
How Can I Get HR Advice on a Tight Start-up Budget?
Hey friends! As excited as we may be to dive into our start-up journeys, it’s no secret that launching a company comes with its fair share of challenges. We have so many hats to wear and critical issues to navigate in those early days. One of the biggest pain points I’ve heard from founders is […]
From Engineers to Managers: Levelling Up Leadership Skills as a Founder
Transitioning from an individual technical contributor to a people manager is difficult for any engineer or developer. As a founder, those leadership growth pains impact your entire company. By acknowledging your deficiencies, studying management best practices, and investing in your development, you can evolve into the leader your startup needs. Common Leadership Gaps for Engineering […]
Reframing: The Key to Effective Leadership
In the ever-evolving landscape of leadership, one concept remains profoundly impactful yet often overlooked: reframing. Reframing, or the art of changing the way we perceive and interpret situations, can significantly enhance leadership effectiveness. Drawing from my decade-long experience as a consultant in HR and people management, I have witnessed the transformative power of reframing first-hand. […]
Inheriting a Team: Tips from a Decade in HR
Stepping into a leadership role and inheriting a new team can feel like being handed the keys to a vintage car—exciting but fraught with the potential for unexpected challenges. As a consultant with over a decade in the HR and people function space, I’ve navigated this terrain numerous times, helping start-ups and growing companies lay […]
