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Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, shares a crucial insight for aspiring and current founders: the importance of delegation. It's a lesson that's often overlooked, but it can make a significant difference in the success of a startup.
Photo: AP PHOTO/JON GAMBRELL, FILE
The Common Mistake
One very common mistake founders make is not delegating enough to their executive team. Founders often want to keep control over everything, but this can hinder growth and innovation. Altman emphasizes that great executives are capable enough to run a company on their own. They value autonomy and thrive when given the freedom to make decisions.
Trusting Your Team
Altman believes that while founders should provide a clear vision, they must also give their executives significant authority. This approach can be uncomfortable, especially for first-time founders who might feel uneasy handing over control to more experienced and talented individuals. However, trusting your team can lead to surprising and positive outcomes.
Embracing the Upside
Although there may be individual failures along the way, the overall benefits of delegation far outweigh the negatives. Altman shares that he has been consistently surprised by the positive results of giving his executives more control. This system allows the company to leverage the diverse skills and talents of its team, driving innovation and growth.
Real-World Examples
Many successful companies have thrived by embracing delegation:
Google: Founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin brought in Eric Schmidt as CEO to leverage his experience and leadership.
Apple: Steve Jobs delegated crucial responsibilities to his top executives, which allowed Apple to innovate continuously.
Microsoft: Bill Gates trusted his executives with significant authority, which helped Microsoft scale and dominate the software industry.
Facebook: Mark Zuckerberg has relied heavily on Sheryl Sandberg, who has played a vital role in Facebook's growth and profitability.
Amazon: Jeff Bezos empowered his executives to lead various divisions, fostering a culture of innovation and rapid expansion.
Conclusion
Sam Altman's advice on delegation is a powerful reminder for founders to trust their executive teams. By providing a clear vision and granting significant authority, founders can unlock the full potential of their teams and drive their companies toward greater success. So, if you're a founder, take a step back, trust your team, and watch your company thrive.
Listen to Sam Altman:
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