Important Hacks For A Killer Team

Many founders like to blame their team for company failures.

They are usually correct. However, the team comprises more than cofounders, employees, and advisors. It also includes the one making the statement.

Once I included myself as a member of the failed team, it became clear what could make us great:

Expectations

Everyone must understand what they are getting into, starting with the cofounders. If you leave Google, Facebook, Amazon, or Apple for a startup, know it is not an employee position. Regardless of whether salary is provided, you should never bring an employee mindset to your own company.

Communications

If you are afraid to talk with your cofounders about certain topics, do not do business with them. Regardless of who has a majority share, everyone on the founding team must be comfortable discussing anything related to the company.

Commitment

Starting a business requires an incredible amount of commitment. I think of it like a professional sports team: You recruit the best talent possible, guide them, and expect them to perform. However, if they refuse to practice, are late to games, and complain, they will never win a championship.

Perseverance

Is everyone on your team capable of working through tremendous pain and hardship? Even after a successful funding round, founders may be required to work without pay, put personal relationships aside, and hold off on hobbies for the company's good. Is your team capable of this?

Conclusion

If I sound harsh, it is because we should be hard on ourselves and, by extension, the rest of the team. A professional basketball team does keep people on the roster who do not perform. Instead, they replace them with the very best players possible. We should view our startup team in the same light.