Preventing dependency on founders and building a self-sustaining team | Scaling series #1

As startup founders, we often find ourselves wearing multiple hats, juggling endless tasks, and making critical decisions on a daily basis. It's what we signed up for, right? But as our companies grow, there comes a point where this level of dependency on the founder - us! - becomes unsustainable. We need to build a team that can operate independently, freeing up our time to focus on strategic initiatives and long-term growth. In this short article, we’ll walk you through some ways to prevent dependency on us, so that our business can grow without our constant interference.?

First of all - let’s remind ourselves why a company that runs without us is desired. Well, it frees us up to do the bigger things that matter - like working on strategy, business development, and long-term decisions. Most founders who are stuck in the day-to-day are not able to focus on this at all, and therefore end up being reactive, only working on urgent matters. This way, scaling is impossible.?

1. One of the first steps in preventing dependency on founders is to develop clear roles and responsibilities within the team. Each member should have a defined role that aligns with their strengths and expertise. This clarity not only improves efficiency but also reduces the need for constant oversight from the founder. It also makes sure there are no ‘gaps’ between roles - meaning all responsibilities are covered clearly.?

1. Empowering decision-making among team members is another essential aspect of building a self-sustaining team. By providing guidelines and frameworks, founders can empower their team to make informed decisions without always needing approval. This not only speeds up decision-making processes but also fosters a sense of ownership and accountability within the team. The hardest thing here is the trust that you need in order to let go. Great advice here is to hand over decision-making on very minor things first, and build up your own trust.?

1. Investing in leadership development is crucial for building a team that can operate autonomously. Identifying potential leaders within the team and providing them with opportunities for growth and development ensures that there are capable individuals ready to step up when needed. This investment pays off in the long run by creating a pipeline of talent that can support the company's growth trajectory. So ask yourself who always takes extreme ownership and would be accepted in a leadership position by the other team members.?

1. Implementing robust systems and processes is key to creating a self-sustaining team. Standardized processes ensure consistency and efficiency in operations, reducing the need for constant intervention from the founder. From project management to customer service, having well-defined systems in place allows the team to function smoothly even in the founder's absence. It all starts with writing down how things are done, step by step. Then have your team members verify that this how it is done. Then, hand over the ownership of these processes (and updating them) to the team.?

1. Fostering a culture of accountability is essential for building a self-sustaining team. Team members should feel empowered to take ownership of their work and hold themselves accountable for their actions. Regular check-ins, performance reviews, and transparent feedback mechanisms can support this culture and ensure that everyone is pulling their weight. Ensure they rapport to you about what’s happening proactively, and not end up in a situation where you are constantly asking this from them.

1. Encouraging collaboration and cross-training among team members is another effective strategy for preventing dependency on founders. By sharing knowledge and skills across the team, members become more versatile and capable of stepping into different roles as needed. This reduces reliance on any single individual and creates a more resilient team overall. Simply put: have a bimonthly team meeting to discuss how to improve collaboration and processes, and have them be the ones in charge in this meeting.

1. Utilizing technology and automation can also help reduce dependency on founders by streamlining processes and reducing manual oversight. From project management tools to automated workflows, technology can free up time for founders to focus on higher-level tasks while ensuring that operations run smoothly. So ask yourself where you are not yet automating enough.

1. Communicating the company's vision and values is essential for aligning the team and reducing dependency on founders. When team members understand and embrace the company's goals and values, they are better equipped to make decisions and take actions that support the company's growth trajectory. Ask yourself if you communicate this sufficiently and if they can reproduce the long-term vision.

1. Regularly reviewing and adjusting strategies is crucial for building a self-sustaining team. Founders should continuously assess the effectiveness of delegation, systems, and team performance, making adjustments as needed to ensure that the team is operating at its full potential. By staying agile and adaptable, founders can create a team that can thrive independently, allowing the company to scale and grow with confidence. You should not get hands-off once you’ve gone through all the steps above. Rather, frequently check in to see if everything is still relevant and working optimally.?

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The Scaling Conference , hosted by TribeX and RISE TRAINING , is a must-attend event for startup and scaleup founders aiming to tackle business growth challenges. Set for October 3rd in Amsterdam, the conference features masterclasses on team collaboration and personal leadership, plus a panel of seasoned founders sharing their scaling experiences. An exclusive dinner with a mastermind session offers selected founders a chance to connect and discuss challenges. Join the waitlist on our website for discounts & updates on speakers and workshops. www.thescalingconference.com?