Just finished “The Founder’s Dilemmas” by Noam Wasserman, one of those books that makes you rethink a few decisions you already made (a little too late for some of them).
The COO question. Hiring a COO in an early stage startup can be a red flag. Either the role is redundant, or the COO is the one actually running the company.
Underperformers. Keeping them saves knowledge and keeps the team calm, but it costs you growth. It’s loyalty against growth, and neither side feels great.
Founding with friends. The most controversial one. It sounds like a dream, but according to the book you’re likely to lose the company or the friendship, sometimes both. Daaangg.
There’s a lot more in there. Here are all my highlights.