Founders and Minimalism
I am writing a piece on "founders and minimalism" and the following is the core "problem" to be solved in my writeup. I'm not quite sure if the problem statement is articulated well though.
What do you understand from the following and what are the questions that pop into your head when you read it?
B. How Does Waste Happen at a Startup?
Startup founders are known for their ceaseless pursuit of growth, their ability to juggle multiple tasks, and their knack for making the most of limited resources. Their lifestyle of playing with chaos, the ambitious work schedules, and the constant push for expansion defines their world. In the fast-paced life of a decision-fatigued startup founder, things can get particularly messy when external or internal factors impair critical thinking:
⃝ Investor and Market Pressure: Startup founders might face immense pressure from investors and market to expand rapidly and achieve quick returns on investment. This external pressure can lead founders to prioritize growth at any cost, resulting in the accumulation of unnecessary resources, over-hiring, and complex organizational structures that result in waste.
⃝ Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): Cognitive distortion in the form of FOMO can drive founders to chase every opportunity (for example every new tech buzzword) that comes their way, even if it doesn't align with their core vision or values. This fear of missing out on potential gains can lead to overcommitment and spreading resources too thin.
⃝ Impatience: Startups often operate under tight timelines and have ambitious goals. Impatience can lead to rushed decision-making, neglecting careful prioritization, and accumulating tasks and projects without proper planning or evaluation.
These external pressures and cognitive distortions can make it challenging for startup founders to maintain focus. And lack of focus, as you might have guessed, is the death sentence for a startup!
