Many entrepreneurs (if not all) suffer from "loss of control" paranoia. I am no exception. Or maybe, I "was" no exception.
By being the single person doing everything from cleaning the office to CEO meetings, for the first 6-8 months, a certain degree of "I have to do everything" attitude develops. The company grows and even though you try to delegate you still can't help "poking your nose" in everything.
That's why I took a stand last month to make a serious attempt at creating an "open culture".
Here is what my idea of an open culture is -
1. free flow of communication
2. any issue (however harsh) that has the potential to impact operations is brought on the table - everyone learns of the issue and collaborate to find a good solution
3. Detailed financials are shared in the meeting
4. Issues are all fact based
5. Members are not afraid to present difficult issues in open because rather than pointing fingers and launching into verbal assaults, the team works together to solve them
6. Delegation matrix is clearly laid out and followed - everyone knows how his/her contribution is impacting the topline and bottomline
Why did I suddenly transform? Have I really changed my style of operation?
I asked myself one day a simple question -- I have so many exceptionally talented team members - if I delegate - whats the worst possible outcome that might happen? I did not have a solid answer.. hence I started.
It was impossibly difficult in the first 10 days or so. Thankfully, I was on a vacation. Still, many times a day I just picked up my blackberry to call up a clients or talk to a colleague or ... but managed to muster the will power not to. Its difficult for "anyone" to understand this "control pang" that the founders experience. After all our start up is our life. However, we have to realize that the entrepreneurs life can be more fulfilling by having others - share - collaborate - enjoy the journey.
Now I feel better than I have felt for a very long time. Suddenly, our motto of "Building Teams, Building Dreams" looks real. Suddenly, we are SOLID UNIFIED FORCE.
- Udayan Bose
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