What It Really Means to Work in "Founder Mode" in Your Coaching Business
Matthew Hackett
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Another week, another buzzword.
Lately the term “founder mode” started gaining attention across various industries, including coaching. Why is this buzzword taking the media by storm, and why might it apply to coaching business owners?
Founder Mode vs. Manager Mode
“Founder mode” is a mindset where the owner of a business operates with the passion, vision, and flexibility of someone who built it from the ground up.
In contrast, “manager mode” is a way of running a business like a hired professional who is more focused on maintaining the status quo, following established processes, and avoiding risks.
It's that classic leader VS employee mindset that many coaching professionals tend to struggle with, but taken a little further in understanding.
This was all recently brought to light by Paul Graham, co-founder of Y Combinator. He recently highlighted that founders who stay in this "founder mode" often outperform companies led by "professional managers" because they maintain a hands-on approach, are deeply connected to the core mission, and take calculated risks that drive growth.
What has this got to do with Coaching Business Owners?
Many coaching business owners, especially those new to the industry, can fall into the trap of operating in manager mode.
They might focus heavily on administrative tasks, rigidly stick to processes, or try to manage their businesses as if they were merely employees rather than the visionaries who founded them. This approach can limit creativity, slow down growth, and ultimately stifle the unique value that the founder brings to the table.
How Do You Know You're Stuck In Manager Mode?
If you find yourself spending more time on administrative tasks and sticking to "how things have always been done" instead of dreaming big, setting bold goals, and innovating your coaching approach, you may be slipping into manager mode.
Founders in founder mode take calculated risks to innovate and push their businesses forward. If you notice you're avoiding new strategies or sticking with what feels "safe," you may be defaulting to manager mode.
If your daily tasks feel more like checking off boxes than actively shaping the future of your business, it’s time to rethink your approach. Founders need to feel like they are building something unique, not just managing it.
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How to Shift Back to Founder Mode
Take time to reconnect with why you started your coaching business in the first place. Reflect on your mission, values, and the unique impact you want to make.
Identify tasks that don't require your direct input and delegate them to others. This frees up your time to focus on high-level strategies and growth opportunities.
Start experimenting with new coaching techniques, marketing strategies, or client engagement approaches. Allow yourself to fail, learn, and iterate.
Being in founder mode means staying close to your clients, understanding their evolving needs, and customizing your approach to offer exceptional value.
Instead of just maintaining what you’ve built, continuously think about ways to expand your impact, whether by offering new services, exploring new markets, or embracing new technologies.
The difference between founder mode and manager mode is stark. When you operate in founder mode, you keep the passion and drive that originally fueled your business. You are more likely to innovate, take risks, and create meaningful value for your clients.
To move your coaching business from good to great, embrace your role as a founder – not just a manager. Remember, your clients chose you because of the unique perspective and energy you bring as a founder.
Feel like you could work in Founder Mode if you just had some more time?
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