Navigating Growth: Building for Believers and Changing Manager Responsibilities

Navigating Growth: Building for Believers and Changing Manager Responsibilities

Introduction:
As companies grow and scale, both the community building efforts and the responsibilities of managers undergo significant changes. In this article, we will explore the strategies for building a community of believers and examine how a manager's role evolves with the company's growth. By understanding these dynamics, leaders can effectively navigate the challenges that come with scaling a business.

Building for Believers:
When it comes to community building, it is essential to lower the barrier to entry and gradually increase commitment. This approach allows for a natural progression of engagement within the community. Platforms like Meetup and Airbnb have successfully implemented this strategy by starting with smaller asks, such as reading a blog post or watching a video, before moving on to more significant commitments like hosting a meetup or posting a listing.

The concept of Community-Member-Fit (CMF) plays a crucial role in finding the right individuals for a community. Instead of copying the current workings of an established community, it is more effective to replicate how it started. By targeting individuals who are already highly committed or struggling to achieve their goals, community builders can create a sense of value and purpose within their community. Remember, it only takes a small group of true believers, not a massive number of members, to cultivate a thriving community.

Actionable Advice:

1. Identify highly motivated individuals who are already trying to engage in activities related to your community. These individuals are more likely to be receptive to your ask and become active participants.

2. Start with low barrier asks and gradually increase commitment to foster a sense of progression and reward. This approach encourages members to take on more significant responsibilities within the community.

3. Focus on finding Community-Member-Fit (CMF) by targeting individuals who need little convincing and are actively seeking opportunities to engage in the activities your community offers.

How Scale Changes a Manager's Responsibilities:
As a company grows and approaches the 100-employee mark, the role of the founding leaders undergoes a significant shift. It becomes crucial for the CEO/founders to let go and empower their leaders to take charge. The responsibilities of hiring and people management become critical areas where CEOs often struggle as their companies expand.

In the early stages, CEOs should stay closely involved in the hiring process, especially for the first 20-30 employees. However, as the company reaches 50-100 employees, it is essential to transition into a guiding and mentoring role rather than making all the decisions. By setting clear guidelines and empowering the hiring team, CEOs can ensure the company's culture remains intact while allowing their leaders to make informed decisions.

Actionable Advice:

1. Stay involved in the hiring process in the early stages and establish selection guidelines. As the company grows, transition into a guiding role and trust your team to make the right hiring decisions.

2. Invest in people experts, such as human resources managers and experienced recruiters, early on to save time and money as the company scales.

3. Articulate the company's True North and product guardrails early on, empowering your team to make product decisions. Shift your focus from "how" to "what" as the company expands, trusting your team to execute the high-level roadmap.

Conclusion:
As businesses grow and scale, it is crucial to adapt to the changing dynamics of community building and managerial responsibilities. By focusing on building a community of believers and empowering leaders to take charge, companies can navigate the challenges of growth effectively. Remember to find Community-Member-Fit, start with a small group of true believers, and gradually increase commitment to foster engagement within the community. At the same time, CEOs must transition from micromanagement to guiding and mentoring their leaders, placing trust in their decisions. With these strategies in mind, businesses can thrive in the face of growth and expansion.