Matt Conlin, Fluent’s CCO & Founder, drives sales, marketing and partnerships. EY Entrepreneur of the Year, DMN’s 2018 40 Under 40.
Being a founder means navigating the critical choices that come with growth—knowing when to lean in and when to step back. Y Combinator cofounder Paul Graham describes these two leadership styles as founder mode and manager mode.
In founder mode, you remain involved as the company scales, focusing on the long-term vision. In manager mode, you delegate, trusting your team to bring the vision to life.
These approaches aren’t conflicting—they’re complementary. Mastering the balance between the two is essential for fostering innovation, empowering your team and driving sustainable growth.
How To Switch Gears: The Art Of Balance
Transitioning between being hands-on and consultative is one of the most challenging aspects of leadership. Yet, striking the right balance is key to ensuring your business thrives as it evolves. Here’s how to navigate this shift effectively:
Establish A Vision
In times of uncertainty, founder mode is crucial for setting direction and building momentum. For instance, when Fluent launched a new product as part of our strategic pivot to Commerce Media Solutions, it was too early to shift into manager mode. The project demanded a scrappy, agile approach to lay the groundwork for success.
However, while your approach might evolve as your company transforms, if you want to eventually transition to a hands-off role, you’ll need to establish a vision for the future. Define the primary objectives of the organization. Identify a north star for the team and set standards to help you get there.
Get Buy-In
Once the vision is clear, it’s time to get buy-in. Use monthly and quarterly planning sessions to reinforce the company’s mission and show how short-term efforts align with long-term goals and industry trends. Clear, consistent communication drives commitment to the vision and inspires team members to contribute to its success.
Scale Through Delegation
Delegation demands self-awareness and reflection, as scaling often means recognizing when others with complementary skills are better equipped to take the lead. For example, the expertise required to scale a company from 0 to 1 is very different from that required for scaling from 1 to 2, and so on. The key is empowering your managers with the tools and resources to thrive while also fostering a culture of trust, ownership and adaptability.
Mastering The Dual Roles Of A Founder
Balancing founder and manager modes requires managing time and assembling the right team. Here are practical strategies to help you focus on what matters most.
• Protect Your Time: Block out time for high-impact tasks like brainstorming new product ideas or analyzing market trends. Long-distance flights can be a great opportunity for uninterrupted strategic thinking.
• Hire For Growth: To scale effectively, build a team with an entrepreneurial mindset. Look for individuals who bring diverse skills and perspectives that enhance the broader group’s potential and are comfortable embracing change.
Conclusion: The Power Of Balance In Driving Long-Term Success
Balancing founder and manager modes is a critical skill for achieving sustainable growth and long-term success. The key to this success lies in knowing when to lead from the front and when to let your capable team take the reins. By incorporating flexibility, adaptability and agility into your overall business strategy, you can empower team members to respond to market adversity and opportunity while giving yourself the space to innovate, refine strategies and scale with clear intention.
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