In 25 years of doing this, I’ve learned a few lessons about leadership, client relationships, and team management. One crucial insight stands above others: the importance of dictating the flow and not allowing clients or inexperienced team members to force processes that won’t work. This is not the same as being a dictator. This is not an excuse to not listen to input. You are the pro. Act like it.
Early on, I said “yes” to every client request, believing accommodation was the key to success. This approach proved unsustainable and often led to failure. I remember a client who insisted on using an unsuitable technology stack despite our warnings. I gave in, resulting in a late, over-budget project riddled with issues. This experience taught me to stand my ground and communicate our process confidently, explaining why certain approaches benefit the project long-term.
I’ve learned there’s no such thing as a “past-tense crazy person.” If someone exhibits toxic or irrational behavior, they rarely change without significant intervention and genuine desire to improve. This applies to both team members and clients. Sometimes, parting ways is better than trying to change someone unwilling to change themselves, even when financial incentives are significant.
Having a clear vision and communicating it effectively to your team is essential. When everyone aligns with common goals, navigating challenges becomes easier. This requires articulating your values, mission, and long-term objectives while remaining adaptable as the industry evolves. Creating an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas and concerns helps tap into diverse perspectives and fosters ownership.
Leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about having the courage to make difficult decisions, the humility to learn from mistakes, and the wisdom to surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you. Trust your expertise, stand your ground, and don’t fear tough calls. Success requires staying true to your principles while being willing to adapt.
It boils down to this for me. You dictate the flow. Don’t let clients or inexperienced team members force a process you know won’t work. Identify this issue as early as you can and know that firing a team member or client who is introducing toxicity into the environment will never get better. There is no such thing as a past-tense crazy person. If they are crazy now, they will remain so. The faster you can move on, the quicker this gets better.
Remember why you started this journey. Whether solving a problem, creating something new, or proving yourself, let that passion guide you through entrepreneurship’s ups and downs. With determination and a willingness to grow, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.
