Founder Fog: Execution

CEOs of growth companies have a peculiar ailment that I call founder fog. It’s kind of unique to them because they are at the hub of this thing that this business is doing. And if they’re not clear, things break down vague vision, scattered execution, unclear roles, it slows the business down and it’s painful in the process. Today I want to talk about clearing the fog when it comes to execution. So many businesses are doing too much. They’ve signed up for too many projects, too many programs, too many products, too many markets, and maybe it’s fomo. Maybe it’s it’s fear of, of committing to a single area in any of those dimensions. Or maybe it’s just lack of follow through in stopping the old things before you start the new things. Whatever it is, so many businesses have way too many plates spinning for them to successfully manage and succeed with, and that’s causing their team to be overloaded. Nothing’s really effective because it doesn’t have the time and focus needed to make it that way.

Do Less Better
So my recommendation for you is twofold. First, say no to some stuff. Look at what you’re doing and review it in every function in your strategy overall. And decide what’s important. Do use the 80 20 rule and focus on the 20% of what you’re doing that’s gonna result in 80% of your results. And the great thing about this is when you do less, when you take the chance, force yourself to say no to these things. It frees up time and focus for you to do the things you choose really well. Those things that are the most important things. Now you have the time to really kill ’em. Really, really hit ’em outta the park. So much power in that.

Stay Aligned
And then the second piece of execution, clarity, clearing the fog, is to continually go back to why you’re doing this whole thing in the first place. Make sure that you have a constant alignment of yourself and of the team in what your true story is, what the business is about, who exactly you are helping. And you as the CEO, it’s kind of your job to make sure that that alignment’s in place. That’s important because as the company grows, you’re not gonna be able to be in every meeting and make sure people are in line.

You need to implant that vision and that plan in their hearts and minds so that they can stay aligned on their own when you’re not in the room, when you’re not part of the process.

B2B Clarity
So, do less focus on alignment to your truth, and you will find that the fog of execution will clear for your business and your growth can accelerate.