3 Leadership Secrets Every Successful Startup CEO Knows

Startups are delicate, and every move their leaders make can mean the difference between growth and failure

Behind every successful startup is a philosophy, a reason that company exists, and a purpose it serves. Dean Drobot/Shutterstock

By Lion Shirdan

Startups embody a nuanced and mostly unexplored aspect of organizational performance. A promising business venture meets a typically young yet fervent workforce, resulting in the intersection of entrepreneurship, and the demand for strong leadership. But startup teams require more precise leadership characteristics of their management than those of established corporations, as they typically have limited human and financial resources, less experienced employees, flat hierarchies, and high time pressure.

So, how do effective startup CEOs tailor their leadership methodology to optimize company performance?

1. Formulate and Nurture a Clear Vision

Behind every successful startup is a philosophy, a reason that company exists, and a purpose it serves. It’s the foundation of the firm, providing alignment, direction, focus, and unity. However, while anyone can produce a great idea, very few people know how to carefully curate that vision from its inception.