Last week, we focused on strategies to help founders navigate Founder Mode. But Founder Mode isn’t just about you — it’s also about how your team aligns with your vision and stays productive, even during high-pressure moments. Without the right tools and understanding, your intensity can overwhelm those around you.
Here are 5 strategies for team members to navigate Founder Mode:
1. Understand what Founder Mode is and how it impacts the team. 2. Learn how to support a founder during high-pressure phases. 3. Know when to step up and take the lead. 4. Develop strategies to thrive in an intense environment. 5. Help balance the founder’s energy with effective team dynamics.
Share this article with your closest team members. When your team understands the intensity of Founder Mode — and why you operate the way you do — they’ll be better equipped to collaborate and move the company forward with you.
PERSPECTIVES
“Treat employees like partners, and they act like partners.” — Fred Allen
“A single leaf working alone provides no shade.” ― Chuck Page
MARK MY WORDS
Founder Mode demands more than just grit from the founder. It also places a high demand on the team. The pace can feel intense, maybe even relentless. But when your team knows how to navigate this environment, they don’t just survive — they focus, align, and thrive. The foundation for navigating this intensity lies in trust, communication, and shared commitment. When everyone understands why you’re moving fast or shifting focus, they’re better equipped to contribute meaningfully. It’s not about asking them to match your energy. It’s about helping them succeed in their Seats.
High-trust relationships between founders and Ideal Stakeholders are the bedrock of long-term success, regardless of which Stage of Development you’re currently in. Clear priorities, honest communication, and mutual respect allow you to move quickly without leaving anyone behind. When your team feels empowered, they don’t just go along for the ride. They help drive the company forward.
TUNE IN
9 Characteristics of a Great Company
In this episode, Cole and I explore what makes a company great — replacing expectations with agreements, fostering commitment to meaningful work, and building resilience through high-trust relationships. This topic has been one of my most popular blog posts, so we wanted to explore it further and share more insights.
You’ll Learn:
How replacing expectations with agreements strengthens trust
Why staying focused on what matters drives better outcomes
How great companies succeed by playing the infinite game
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