Is your startup a dictatorship or democracy? (#218)
Hard Choices: 1 decision. 1 minute.
The decision
“This is not a democracy, but I want your opinion.”
— Dr. Will Fitzhugh, CEO of Adden Energy (solid state batteries)
How do you balance these two?
“I know best.”
“We know best.”
Aka:
“I hired you because you’re smart.”
“Please stop being so smart at me right now.”
Why this matters
We all want our teams to feel valued and heard.
Cue the Avatar line from the blue people: “I see you.” So wise. Despite those creepy tails.
Many minds are smarter than one mind.
In our sectors where mistakes are expensive, timelines are long, and second chances are rare, we want geniuses and bulldogs at our tables.
But not everyone has the same level of expertise, experience, or gut instinct. All opinions are not created equal.
Mismanaged expectations are the real problem. If you ask for input, signal alignment, then ignore it, quiet resentment builds.
Clarity is kindness:
“Help me think.”
Not: “We’re deciding together.”
Definitely not: “We’re deciding together unless I disagree.”
So what?
More equity, more power, more risk, more reward.
And when the bucks stops here, and here is the wrong destination, own it.
Diagnose it.
Share those lessons learned.
Be humbled and humble.
Earn the trust to make the next right decision.
If this clarified a decision you’re facing, pass it on to one CEO who’d benefit.
~ Chris
Climate tech CEO coach, Entrepreneurs for Impact