-
The Why Behind
Getting everyone aligned and moving in the same direction is a critical startup leader responsibility and skill. Articulating the “why” behind the direction makes all the difference by supplying the underlying reasons, motivations, or rationales behind a particular direction, decision, proposal, or action.
-
The Three Strikes Communication Rule
When building a startup, connecting with others is essential. And the onus is often on us to take the initiative and reach out to potential investors, partners, customers, and even friends or acquaintances. Yet when do we cross the line between persistence and annoying?
-
Pants and People
Growing a high-potential business presents many opportunities and encounters with people that can be pretty intimidating. My mentor taught me that remembering the human dimension can help you engage authentically and effectively. That insight has helped me often.
-
Big Sticks
Organizational leaders often carry a “big stick” that sometimes puts excess weight behind any minor questions or requests they might make. This dynamic can waste a lot of organizational resources, so it is essential to be mindful when you find you have a “big stick.”
-
The Importance of Framing
Effective communication often comes down to framing. What is important, what is an implementation detail, and how does the information fit into the mental framework of the recipient?
-
The Great Divide
Sometimes the communication gulf between technical and non-technical people crushes forward progress, yet too often, both sides throw up their hands, and the gaps remain unbridged. Startup leaders cannot afford to let such chasms persist.
-
Each is Unique
Each and every organization is unique, with its own culture, objectives, processes, and history. Remembering that matters because effectively engaging with an organization and its people requires holding all your assumptions loosely so you can listen and jointly problem-solve.
-
Essential Entrepreneurial Enabler: Herding Cats
Driving forward in a startup almost always comes down to herding the relevant cats into alignment to achieve the goal at hand. Herding cats requires an essential blend of skills – and the results can be quite value-creating.
-
Keep in Touch: Engaging Your Investors in Your Company’s Story
The end of July is approaching. It is time to connect with my key investor-stakeholders on our company’s progress. This practice of routinely telling our company’s latest story is an essential component in maintaining my investors’ support.
