How to be a Leader in a Startup

In startups you work in teams made up of highly-motivated and super-ambitious individuals.

This requires a style of leadership that unifies the group and creates a productive business culture.

Here are 8 tips on how to lead in a startup:

1. Avoid “I”.

“I” when describing a project or part of the project can be corrosive.

Instead of “I” use words like: “we”, “our”, “team” or “us”.

2. Don’t form boys or girls clubs.

Limit gaps forming between partners and employees, and people from different divisions or teams.

Create a unified company. Not a collection of competing groups of people that feel superior or inferior to each other.

3. Lead from the front lines.

Everyone needs to be working hard. Work harder.

Don’t hide from the grunt work.

4. When there is a win, share the glory.

Credit everyone who deserves it.

5. Take responsibility.

If something goes wrong own the problem. Don’t hide from it.

Make sure that the team knows what went wrong and how it is being fixed.

6. Foster an attitude of action.

A startup needs to move quickly and decisively.

When there is a problem, take action.

7. Avoid gossip.

Gossip will tear a business apart. Do not encourage it.

8. Get personal.

You will spend long hours with your team.

Get to know them. Learn to be friends. This will help you when things get tough.

Go for a beer or a coffee. Time outside of the office can be as important as time inside of the office.