Page 167 - 6 Secrets to Startup Success

146 6 SECRETS TO STARTUP SUCCESS

9 What have you learned about required resources and
capabilities going forward? How might this impact your
strategy, costs, and timelines?

9 What is working well or not working well about your
approach to financial planning and controls? How well are
you staying on top of the numbers?

EXECUTION – Getting things done in a startup environment tends to
be more difficult than new founders expect. A key aspect of your new
venture learning curve is mastering the elements that must come to-
gether to execute on the business plan and strategy.

9 Talent. Where are strengths and gaps in terms of talent?
Are the right people in the right roles to propel the venture
forward?

9 Systems and processes. What’s working well in these areas
and where are weaknesses or vulnerabilities? What has
been learned about technology opportunities and risks?

9 Teamwork. What are you learning about the role of
teamwork in accomplishing the venture’s goals? Where is
tight teamwork necessary and where should people run
independently?

9 Communication. What communication patterns have
developed within and outside the venture? Are goals and
priorities clear? Are tough issues being discussed candidly
with the right people in the room? If not, why not?

9 Alignment. How well are the goals and interests of key
stakeholders aligned with the goals and priorities of the
business? Where are areas of misalignment—where
personal motivations or needs are in conflict with the
business need—and how can these areas be better aligned?

American Management Association • www.amanet.org