“HR Heretics” | How CPOs, CHROs, Founders, and Boards Build High Performing Companies
When Success Means New Bosses: A Startup Growth Story
Jan 21, 2025
Kelli and Nolan dive into the intricacies of leadership transitions in fast-growing startups. They highlight the challenges faced by new leaders stepping into roles above existing employees and stress the importance of nurturing current team members. Trust and open communication are paramount during these changes, ensuring respect for early contributors. The hosts also address the delicate balance between hiring externally and valuing internal talent, offering tactical advice and a touch of therapy for navigating the complexities of growth.
21:39
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Quick takeaways
- The complexities of organizational layering highlight the need for coaching existing employees rather than exclusively relying on external hires.
- Maintaining transparency and honoring the contributions of early employees are critical to fostering a supportive and cooperative workplace culture during transitions.
Deep dives
Navigating the Challenges of Layering in Organizations
Layering, or placing a new leader above an existing employee, poses significant challenges in organizations, particularly in startups. When considering whether to layer a current CFO due to their inability to provide necessary strategic support, it is vital to evaluate if they can develop the required skills. Hiring new candidates often comes with risks, as they lack context and established relationships within the company, which can lead to misalignment and misunderstandings. Therefore, making an effort to grow the current employee, potentially with the help of coaching or support from seasoned advisors, is advisable before pursuing external solutions.
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