11 Of The Most Valuable Traits Of A Startup Leader

The success of a startup depends on having an entrepreneur who possesses certain traits. The fact that an individual is willing to go out on a limb to create something new or improve an old process or product says something about the person at the outset. Factor in the risk and uncertainty associated with launching a company and you get a substantial amount of weight that needs to be shouldered.

So, what does it take to be a successful startup leader? The specifics will vary from one industry to another, and there are more exceptions than rules. However, some traits are indispensable. For entrepreneurs looking to hone their skills and budding business innovators, here are a few essential traits of a strong startup leader.

1. Optimistic

Of all the unknown variables that come with starting a new business, attitude is the one aspect over which entrepreneurs can have total control. They should decide early on to be positive and refuse to waver from that decision. Startup founders need optimism in order to pursue their passion and have fun on the journey.

2. Focused, yet flexible

Big ideas tend to come with a focus on the end product. While this is important, startup leaders need to look at the short term, as well. Moving from A-to-Z means keeping the latter in mind, while honing in on B, C, and D and weeding out distractions. Flexible entrepreneurs can hit their target by strategically pivoting along the way.

3. Constant learners

There’s the intelligence quotient (IQ) and the emotional quotient (EQ), and then there’s the curiosity quotient (CQ) of entrepreneurs. Startup leaders have an insatiable appetite for knowledge and education because they know they don’t have all the answers. They read regularly and collaborate often.

4. Analytical and detail-driven

A companion trait to flexibility and perpetual learning is the ability to analyze and make the most out of details. Entrepreneurs will always benefit from the ability to recognize the subtleties and nuances in the market and within the company. Having this information on hand and wielding it the right way can greatly impact the trajectory of success.

5. Cognizant of the industry

In the early stages of starting a business, entrepreneurs need to have a feel for the industry they’re planning to enter. No one can expect to disrupt something unless they know how they are actually going to do it. This also helps with flexibility: finding the right entry point can make all the difference, regardless of how strong the business model is.

6. Deliberate decision-making

Business leaders must understand the importance of planning and the fact that some decisions need to be made before all the facts come in. Top startup leaders possess the ability to decide, execute, and live with the outcomes. They focus on company growth and do everything in their power to make it happen.

7. Embrace failure

A closely related characteristic is the ability to take ownership of your decisions. Not every move will yield perfect results, and startup leaders must realize that it comes with the territory. Startup leaders must let failure teach and motivate them, and they must be open to criticism from their colleagues.

8. Willing to start over

Startups must occasionally start over, and entrepreneurs must be prepared to respond. Whether it means putting a backup plan into motion or going back to the drawing board, startup leaders should not waste any time in getting their business back up and running.

9. Open with others about ideas

One of the myths associated with starting a new business is that the concept should be kept under wraps and safeguarded until it’s ready for the public. However, this can hinder the potential of a business. Through a willingness to share your ideas with as many people as possible (assuming they are trusted, of course), startup leaders can begin the process of refining their ideas early on. As I’ve often said, diversity of thought is the catalyst for genius.

10. Empathetic on multiple levels

Entrepreneurs must surround themselves with people who have different talents and backgrounds. One of the most valuable traits they can have is the ability to understand how each staff member operates. A knowledge of how people process situations emotionally and intellectually can be invaluable.

11. Patient with the process

Patience keeps everything in check. Since it can be hard to say if or when a business concept will take off, startup leaders must have the composure, humility, and perseverance to actively wait for their dreams to come to fruition.