The second cycle: Winning the War Against Bureaucracy

Chapter 6. Leadership

First Cycle Management

When a company is young and fast growing, few employees doubt why the company is successful. The company grows because it has hit the rare combination of dynamic entrepreneurs who have spotted a need in the market place, designed and delivered a solution, and managed the whole thing with great enthusiasm and focus on satisfying customer needs.

In this first phase or upward phase of the first cycle, values are normally absolutely clear, but seldom written down. The team just goes for it and if someone makes a mistake, it becomes highly visible and can be corrected quickly because the organization is small and management is hands-on.

When the company becomes larger and more established, the need grows ...