Ask the Leadership Coach: How do I lead my Startup without losing my cool?

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On my website, there’s a place where you can share your most pressing leadership problems, and I love receiving these questions. I always respond to the sender, and now I’m excited to start sharing some of these Q&A’s with you.

So here’s today’s question – I think it will resonate with both startup founders and seasoned CEOs alike.

Question:

How do I balance patience and support with discipline in a startup environment?

In my startup, things need to get done fast, and the pressure is felt by the entire team. I want to be supportive, but I don’t want to compromise on getting results.

Here’s my Answer:

Great question!

Balancing patience, support, and discipline in a fast-moving startup is no small feat, but it’s absolutely crucial for success. Here are some practical strategies to help you lead effectively without compromising on results.

1. The “100-Steps Ahead” Syndrome

It’s frustrating to feel like you’re 100 steps ahead of your team, that they don’t understand what you’re asking and that they don’t take full ownership of their tasks. You have a clear picture in your mind of what you want but it takes time to filter that understanding to your team. Rushing ahead without checking they’re with you will get you nowhere fast.

Here’s how to bring your team along:

  • Clarify your vision – Don’t assume everyone can see the end goal as clearly as you do. Regularly share and repeat your vision.

  • Break it down – Instead of overwhelming your team with the full picture, break the vision into manageable, actionable steps. Involve them in the planning process to ensure alignment.

  • Check for understanding – Make space for questions and differing perspectives to uncover gaps or insights you might not have considered.

2. Communicate. Then Communicate Again

Did you know that 74% of employees feel they’re missing out on company news and information? Lack of communication is a top reason teams underperform, especially in fast-paced environments like startups.

You might think you’ve communicated enough, but startup teams often struggle with misalignment simply because they haven’t been given enough information.

Here’s what you can do:

  • Set up regular check-ins – Even a quick 15-minute daily sync can help catch misunderstandings before they grow.

  • Use clear, consistent messaging – Make sure key goals and timelines are repeated and reinforced across different channels (email, meetings, Slack).

  • Encourage feedback – Foster an environment where your team feels comfortable voicing concerns or asking for clarification.

3. Master the Art of Delegation

In startups, leaders often struggle to let go of control. It’s tempting to do it all yourself, but this leads to bottlenecks. A startup founder I worked with had a hard time letting go of small tasks, from approving every marketing post to double-checking code. When we worked on building trust in her team’s abilities, she started delegating more effectively. Not only did her team step up, but the startup began hitting its milestones faster.

Here’s how to delegate without dropping the ball:

  • Be crystal clear – Define exactly what needs to be done, by when, and what the desired outcome looks like.

  • Trust, but verify – Allow your team to work autonomously, but follow up regularly to offer support and course corrections if needed.

  • Celebrate wins – Acknowledge small victories along the way to keep motivation high.

One last point, Startup life can feel like you’re racing against time, but did you know that most startups take about 3-4 years, and even longer, to hit their stride?

This is a marathon, not a sprint—be patient with your team and focus on sustainable progress. Of course, these are just starting points. To truly dive into this and come up with a strategy that’s going to work for you, I’d need a deeper understanding of your unique situation.

Does this resonate with you? If so, let’s explore further:

  • What industry are you in?

  • How big is your team?

  • What are your biggest hurdles with execution?

Answering these questions will help us create a personalised roadmap for your leadership and business success.

Ready to unlock your startup’s potential? Here are some resources to help you out:

Have a burning leadership question of your own?

Fire away—I’m here to help!

Here’s to balancing ambition with empathy, and executing your startup vision, one strategic step at a time.

Let’s work together to find the perfect blend of patience and progress.