Founderitis 101: Symptoms, Cases, and Prevention

Ever notice how some startup founders morph from visionary leaders into the company’s biggest roadblocks? This is founderitis — a condition where the once-invaluable founder becomes more of a liability than an asset.

So, what’s the deal with founderitis? Picture this: A founder is so deep in the grind culture — surviving on caffeine and three-hour naps — that their decision-making skills fall rapidly along with their emotional state.

But wait, there’s more! Beyond the zombie-like burnout phase lies an even more treacherous path: the ego trip. They start overstepping, talking over everyone, and making decisions that make you question if they’re secretly auditioning for a one-person show titled “I Am the Company.”

Signs You’re Catching Founderitis:

The Micromanagement Mania: You find yourself needing to approve every insignificant decision, down to the brand of coffee in the break room. Spoiler alert: It’s not about the beans.
Delegation? What’s That?: The word “delegate” has vanished from your vocabulary. You believe no one can do it as well as you can, not even setting up the company Wi-Fi.
Surrounded by Yes-People: Your team agrees with everything you say, not because you’re always right, but because dissenting voices mysteriously disappear.
Innovation Stagnation: New ideas are met with a polite nod before being locked away in the “We’ll Get to This Later” drawer — which is never opened.
Blame Game Pro: When things go south, it’s always someone else’s fault — the market, the team, perhaps even the alignment of the planets — but never yours.

Famous (or Infamous) Cases to Learn From:

Elizabeth Holmes (Theranos): A classic case where overpromising and under-delivering wasn’t just a misstep — it was a cliff dive.
John DeLorean (DeLorean Motor Company): His name became synonymous with a car that looked futuristic but couldn’t outrun its founder’s legal troubles.
Dennis Kozlowski (Tyco International): When personal extravagance overshadows corporate responsibility, you know founderitis has taken a hefty toll.

Curing Founderitis:

Embrace Governance: Establish a strong board of directors who aren’t afraid to hold you accountable — even if they occasionally rain on your parade.
Self-Care Isn’t Selfish: Remember that even superheroes need rest. Prioritize sleep, health, and perhaps a hobby that doesn’t involve quarterly earnings.
Hire to Your Weaknesses: Accept that you can’t be the master of all trades. Bring in experts and actually let them do their jobs.
Stay Grounded: Keep your ego in check. If your reflection starts giving you a thumbs-up, it might be time to seek external feedback.

Founderitis doesn’t have to be terminal — for you or your company. By recognizing the symptoms early and taking proactive steps, you can steer clear of becoming the plot twist in your startup’s success story. After all, in the rollercoaster ride of entrepreneurship, it’s more fun when you’re not the one derailing the coaster.

In your opinion, how important is self-awareness and humility in leadership, especially in the startup world?