Welcome to part-two of our “Startup DNA” series where we discuss the key components every startup needs to be successful. If nothing else, you will walk away from these blogs with a deeper understanding of the startup environment, cultural differences and why each piece of the startup puzzle is necessary for any small business.
In this installment, we will outline the key factors of communication and leadership frequently separating successful startups from their competition.
The Vision
In any organization, it is imperative the Founder/s have a clear and concise vision for the company. This means a comprehensive growth plan including current employees and departments. In order for the company vision to be realized and the leadership’s credibility to grow, the vision must be realistic, attainable, and each employee must understand how their work helps achieving common organizational goals. This not only builds the credibility of the leadership, but also helps develop a lasting company vision and enabling success across the organization.
The Voice
Oftentimes the vision is not linear and thus it is necessary to review current and past steps and reassess company goals and objectives. Successful startups utilize various communication methods to give employees up-to-date information without the time wasting and red-tape that can impede progress.
You may not be the Founder or VP of Marketing; however you do have a voice in the say and direction of the company you work for. Frequently, successful startups will utilize town-hall style meetings between management and employees in order to address specific issues and even recognize some recent successes.
Short standing meetings and 1-on-1 employee-manager meetings are also popular communication methods in successful startups because they emphasize personal growth and open-door policy among employees. If you’re a Founder, using these communication techniques with a personalized approach will empower your staff and lead them to what is known as “The Buy In.”
The Buy In
Without trusted leadership and a solid vision in which to grow, startups will undoubtedly flounder. However, with these two elements in place it is possible to achieve what notable leadership author John C. Maxwell identifies as “The Law of The Buy In.” Maxwell writes that people (employees) follow “worthy leaders who promote worthwhile causes.” That is why the initial leadership foundation is so important. Without the foundation of trust in the leadership, the vision can never truly be realized. Maxwell also writes that “a leader must get his/her people to buy into them (as a leader) before the vision has any chance of becoming reality.”
Communication is the foundation of trust, and without the initial trust in leadership, the vision can never really come to fruition.
Our next installment will detail the importance of “The Startup Culture” and how the 21st-century workplace has seen such a significant change when compared with preceding decades.
Co-Authored by Ben Dickshinksi & Michael Brown