SHIFT BACK TO WHERE YOU THRIVE

As founders, we can reach a point where the day-to-day takes over. The energy we once spent envisioning the future and driving bold ideas gets swallowed by meetings, processes, and operational demands. It’s a subtle shift at first, but before we know it, we’re trapped in Manager Mode.

Manager Mode is critical for ensuring systems run smoothly, especially in Stage 3 and Stage 4 companies. But let’s be honest — it’s not where we thrive. Spending too much time here drains our energy, limits creativity, and pulls us away from where we add the most value. Worse, it can stall our ability to plan for the big picture and drive meaningful growth.

Read more in The Trap of Manager Mode: Why Founders Can’t (and Shouldn’t) Live There for Long.

Staying in the weeds isn’t where we do meaningful work, and it’s certainly not where we create the most value for our teams. The key isn’t avoiding Manager Mode altogether — it’s knowing when to step back out and refocus on long-term success.

PERSPECTIVES

“It’s what you practice in private that you’ll be rewarded for in public.”

— Tony Robbins

“Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.”
― Peter Drucker

MARK MY WORDS

The truth is, Manager Mode can be deceptively comfortable. It offers the satisfaction of fixing immediate problems and ensuring everything runs smoothly. But for founders, it’s a trap. The longer you stay there, the further you drift from shaping your company’s future.

As founders, we operate most effectively when we consciously shift between modes — crafting in Visionary Mode, forging relationships in Leader Mode, and making high-stakes decisions in Founder Mode. Each mode plays a vital role in turning big ideas into reality. This is why too much time in Manager Mode robs us of the space to think, innovate, and lead effectively.

The way out? Build a structure that doesn’t depend on you to run the day-to-day. A strong second-in-command or a capable C-suite can take ownership of operations, enabling you to return to doing Work that truly matters.

Scaling a company requires letting go of control in some areas to focus on the bigger picture. By stepping out of Manager Mode, you regain the energy, creativity, and time to do what only you can do: lead your company toward a bold and audacious future.

TUNE IN

2024: A Year in Review
Recently, I took some time to reflect on the past year’s challenges and milestones with my podcast cohost, Cole (Ninety's Brand Strategy Lead and my son). We talked about the importance of scaling thoughtfully, maintaining team alignment, and preparing for the next phase of growth.

We wrapped up the conversation by sharing a sneak peek at some exciting initiatives underway for 2025.