Managing a startup team is different from any other job. Everything moves fast. You don’t have enough resources. You’re making big decisions with limited information.
Most people get it wrong. They try to control too much, move too slowly, and focus on the wrong things.
After years of working at global startups, here are the three things that actually matter when leading a team.
1. Hire Great People, Then Get Out of Their Way
Most management problems disappear if you hire the right people.
- The best people don’t need micromanagement. They need clear goals and freedom to execute.
- If you have to constantly check someone’s work, you made a bad hire.
- The fastest teams run on trust, not control.
Your job as a leader isn’t to do everything—it’s to find people who can do it better than you and give them the space to win.
2. Speed Matters More Than Perfection
Startups fail because they move too slow, not because they make mistakes.
- 80% right today beats 100% right next year.
- The best teams ship fast, learn, and adjust.
- Indecision kills momentum.
If you wait until everything is perfect, you’re already too late. Launch, get feedback, improve. Repeat.
3. Your Network Is Your Safety Net
The most successful people I know all have strong networks.
- Your skills matter, but who trusts you matters more.
- Careers are unpredictable—layoffs, market shifts, failed startups happen. Your network gets you back on your feet fast.
- The best leaders invest in relationships before they need them.
Every job, every deal, every opportunity comes down to who picks up your call when you need it.
What’s the best leadership lesson you’ve learned? 🚀