Founder's paradox

In this series, we challenge concepts that may seem contradictory. Healthy organizations thrive by examining conventional thinking and delving deeper.

Collection50 articles
The Founder’s Paradox: How to Balance Certainty With Uncertainty
May 7, 2019
The Founder’s Paradox: How to Balance Certainty With Uncertainty

We are living in uncertain times. You could say this has always been true — life is unpredictable and so are we. People are complex. There is confusion and chaos,…

The Founder’s Paradox: How to Stay Focused When Other Opportunities Keep Tempting You
April 29, 2019
The Founder’s Paradox: How to Stay Focused When Other Opportunities Keep Tempting You

It takes courage to have a single focus. I have been thinking about this a lot lately. Because while it takes chutzpah to set really ambitious goals, that is not where…

The Founder’s Paradox: How to Know What Decisions to Make and What Should Be Left for Others
March 11, 2019
The Founder’s Paradox: How to Know What Decisions to Make and What Should Be Left for Others

We make decisions all the time. Some are small, subtle, you could even say reflexive — grab a coat in case of rain, scoop up the kids’ backpacks rather than waiting for…

The Founder’s Paradox: How Do You Throw Credit When the Big Idea Was Yours?
February 26, 2019
The Founder’s Paradox: How Do You Throw Credit When the Big Idea Was Yours?

Few actions spark real disgust at work. But I can think of one that never fails to cause a personal fury. It is when someone takes another person’s idea and presents it…

The Founder’s Paradox: How to Prioritize What Others Need When Everyone Is Focused on You
January 14, 2019
The Founder’s Paradox: How to Prioritize What Others Need When Everyone Is Focused on You

Gravity is what holds our world together. It is the force that draws objects together — literally bringing us down to Earth. But the word gravity can also be used to…

The Founder’s Paradox: How to Add Complexity and Avoid It
November 6, 2018
The Founder’s Paradox: How to Add Complexity and Avoid It

More customers, more people, more process, more technology — leading to more success. And success leads to financial gains which can be reinvested to grow more customers,…