As a founder, very few will actually tell you the truth These are the ones that will ultimately help you grow the most But with that will come some advice you don't want to hear And it will often be delivered sharply
Or feel sharp even if it isn't....
the delivery is crucial to being heard.
Every great mentor needs to be a tormentor from time to time (paraphrasing from Ted Lasso)
Define sharply please. Directly? Angrily?
How a founder reacts to truth-telling, is important. If you're defensive or dismissive, your team will be less likely to be as candid with you. If it's from a place of curiosity and treating it as a learning opportunity, you'll cultivate a culture of candor.
Yep, so many people won’t stand up to founders because they’d rather keep their nice pay checks and peaceful existence. This is a growth killer. Always look for the people who will push back (with respect). Then you have at least a chance at being the next unicorn.
It's probably not intended to be sharp(ly). And as a founder you're so used to driving results so the suggestion may take you by surprise. One of the biggest benefits of my providing part-time marketing is that I can share blunt feedback with a founder. I'm enjoying the frank conversations.
You've hit on a tough but vital truth in entrepreneurship. Honest feedback, even when it's tough to hear, is invaluable for growth. It takes courage to seek out and accept these insights, but they can make all the difference in steering your business forward.
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