University of Minnesota - UMN Executive Leadership Insights
‘Give Away Your Legos’ and Other Commandments for Scaling Startups
Article

‘Give Away Your Legos’ and Other Commandments for Scaling Startups

First Round Review
First Round, 2016
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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Applicable

Recommendation

Anticipating the unique set of challenges that come with scaling up a business – for both leadership and employees – can make the process of growing your company less painful and more exciting for all concerned. In this highly practical article by First Round Review, Quip COO Molly Graham helps business leaders understand the obstacles of and best practices for managing each major stage of a company’s growth. getAbstract recommends Graham’s insights to business leaders facing the prospect of scaling up.

Summary

Scaling up a business, at any stage, is challenging. As new people join an organization, employees sometimes feel disconcerted about handing over certain tasks and responsibilities, and nervous about their role in the company moving forward. In some ways, the emotions generated during scaling are akin to those of children being asked to share their Legos: What if the new people don’t play “right” or take all the good pieces for themselves?

As a leader, one of the most important aspects of scaling lies in managing the emotions of your employees...

About the Author

First Round Review is the magazine from First Round, a venture capital firm that specializes in supplying seed-capital to tech start-ups.

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