STARTUP LEADERSHIP

Are you in a startup situation? Whether it's a new business venture, a church plant, or product line, certain leadership is required to get it off the ground. It takes a particular kind of person to make something go - characteristics in a leader that frankly get things done. Startup situations demand self-starter leaders! Jack Welch, former CEO of General Electric said that there are times when a leader “cannot be this thoughtful, in-the-corner-guru. You cannot be a moderate, balanced, thoughtful, careful articulator of policy. You’ve got to be on the lunatic fringe.” A leader who is a self-starter is responsible, resourceful and relates well with others. There are other leadership needs as the situation furthers and grows, but these are the basic needs for startup situations.

RESPONSIBILITY: fully understanding the role I play and faithfully carrying it out by finishing the tasks that come from my role to the best of my ability. First of all, do you fully understand the role you play in the startup situation? If you don’t, two ways to get clarity: (1) ask your leader to spell it out; (2) thoroughly study what the situation of your role calls for. How are u responding to ur role? Leith Anderson said, "Modern leaders don't need to be miracle workers. They just need to do what God has called them to do..." There’s nothing more important initially in a startup situation than to take full responsibility of what you are supposed to be doing.

RESOURCEFULNESS: eagerly prepared to bring ideas and individuals to the table for the purpose of moving the situation forward.  A resourceful person is an initiator and risk-taker.  They stick their neck out, take chances for the purpose of moving forward.  They are willing to do something big…and when it’s a startup situation, big and bold is the only way to go.  Don't ever come to the table without a thought, an idea or a concept.  Andy Stanley said, "Accepting the status quo is the equivalent of accepting a death sentence." What are you willing to bring to the table?!?

RELATIONSHIPS: aggressively and authentically embracing and recruiting a team to get it done. 

Synergy because of the urgency…  In a startup situation, time is not in your favor.  The faster you can get momentum only but to create more to keep the big mo alive, the faster your situation will get up off the ground.  The more involvement, the more participation…and, the more ownership up front.  Who do you need to aggressively and authentically recruit to be on your team?

Just like an airplane, there’s only so much runway…  Startup situations need momentum and they need it fast!  Start it up, leader, and let's get this plane off the ground!