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Starting a business from scratch and taking it to a multi-million-dollar venture is no small feat. Ben Francis, the founder of Gymshark, offers a unique perspective on the kind of leadership style that he believes is essential in the early stages of a business. According to Francis, getting a business from zero to 10 million dollars requires a very dictatorial approach. Here’s why he believes this and how it can shape your business journey.
Photo: Andrew Fox
The Dictatorial Approach
Francis states that in the initial stages of a business, there is little room for democratic decision-making. Instead, a strong, dictatorial leadership style is necessary. He explains,
"You tell people what you want. People will tell you this isn't gonna work. You ignore comments, you ignore feedback, and you do what the hell you want, and you force your business into success."
Why Dictatorial Leadership?
Speed of Execution: In the early stages, there is a high level of urgency. The need to act quickly and decisively is paramount. There's no time for lengthy discussions or debates. Decisions need to be made swiftly to keep up with the rapid pace of growth and change.
High Level of Risk: Starting a business involves significant risks. As Francis puts it, "You take a high level of risk." This risk necessitates a clear vision and unwavering determination. A dictatorial approach ensures that the founder’s vision is executed without dilution or delay.
Lack of Data: Often, what you’re trying to achieve hasn’t been done before, meaning there's no existing data to support your decisions. In such scenarios, relying on gut feeling and personal conviction becomes crucial. Francis notes, "There's no data to back up what you're thinking."
Need for Quick Growth: For a startup to survive and thrive, rapid growth is often essential. A dictatorial approach helps maintain a laser focus on growth objectives, minimizing distractions and maximizing efficiency.
Real-World Examples
Many successful entrepreneurs have adopted a similar approach in the early stages of their businesses:
Steve Jobs (Apple): Known for his relentless drive and exacting standards, Jobs often disregarded conventional wisdom and pushed his team to achieve what many thought was impossible. His dictatorial style in the early days helped Apple revolutionize multiple industries.
Elon Musk (Tesla, SpaceX): Musk is known for his demanding leadership style. He sets extremely high standards and expects his team to meet them, often pushing the boundaries of what is considered possible. This approach has been instrumental in Tesla’s and SpaceX’s groundbreaking achievements.
Jeff Bezos (Amazon): Bezos' leadership style in Amazon’s early days was very hands-on and directive. He had a clear vision for the company and drove his team relentlessly to achieve it, often ignoring conventional advice and feedback.
Balancing Dictatorship and Flexibility
While a dictatorial approach can be effective in the early stages, it’s important to recognize when to shift to a more collaborative leadership style as the company grows. Once the business stabilizes and scales, involving team members in decision-making can foster innovation, improve morale, and sustain long-term success.
Conclusion
Ben Francis' experience highlights the necessity of a strong, decisive leadership style in the early stages of building a business. By being dictatorial, founders can ensure swift execution, manage high risks, and achieve rapid growth, even when lacking supporting data. However, as the business evolves, transitioning to a more inclusive leadership approach can help sustain and build upon the initial success. The journey from zero to millions is fraught with challenges, but with a clear vision and unwavering determination, entrepreneurs can navigate their way to success.
Listen to Ben Francis:
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