Detail of Washington Crossing the Delaware by Emanuel Leutze. Washington stands in a crowded boat as soldiers cross an icy river.

Make final responsibility clear

The team needs a decision, not permanent agreement about every possible decision.

A startup often acts before complete certainty exists. Discussion helps the team understand the choice, but it must eventually lead to action. Otherwise, the experiment that could answer the question never happens.

The chief executive officer, or CEO, carries overall responsibility for the company. The role does not automatically belong to the person who first proposed the idea. It requires judgment, follow-through, and the ability to handle people.

A strong engineer or salesperson may prefer another responsibility. Choose the leader according to the work rather than the prestige.

Final responsibility does not mean that the CEO personally decides every detail. Capable people need clear areas in which they can act. Leadership must connect those areas without turning the founder into the route through every decision.

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