Don't work for a StartUp

It requires a special set of skills and mindset.

 In any emerging startup, resilience is an incredibly important aspect in the success of a business. Creating a resilient team involves selecting and creating an organizational structure that withstands challenges, is able to shift with the winds, and moves forward with an objective.

Working for a startup is not for everyone-and that was by design. Working under the startup conditions means working fast and with constant change, and it often involves venturing into conditions of high risk and yet long term high reward.

A normal employee who is used to a structured corporate business and defined roles under strict guidelines, might not be the right fit, and in this article, I will elaborate as to why that is.

As a startup, the first thing we ask candidates at screening stage is the following: “Are you willing to work for a startup?”.  Some candidates respond with a simple “Yes” just to get the “JOB”, so it is our job, as founders or senior management, to proceed further to understand why and explain what comes with working for a startup.

Unlike established companies with clearly defined structure, roadmap and resources, startups do not necessarily have that in place. It is part of the agility needed in small businesses, and the characteristics required in a startup employee. With multiple hats needed on some days, a marketing consultant might do customer support and sometimes fill in for sales. "Flexibility and initiative are must-haves."

Employees of startups should expect little handholding, tight deadlines with priorities changing overnight, relentless pressure and with high deliverable expectations, for that, if an employee is not a self-starter who takes ownership and capable to solve some things alone then a startup is not a good fit.

So what should founders look for in a candidate?

1.        Adaptability and attitude

Flexibility coupled with a learning ability is more important than that "perfect resumé." The person should thrive amid chaos and would not want to be confined behind structures.

2.        Believe in the mission

Employees must actually align with the vision of the startup. Passion propels people as much as founders, building a startup requires believing in the mission and trusting the process. Change the plan never the goal!!

3.        Resilience

A resilient team is built on a foundation that may not only withstand challenges but equally adapt to change and carry on purposefully in building the company and here I can’t go lite on describing why.

a.        Dealing with Uncertainty

Startup life holds unpredictability in its DNA. Changes in markets, customer needs, funding challenges and business strategies happen at breakneck speed. A resilient team welcomes uncertainty, adapts readily, and seeks new solutions when plans go wrong.

b.        Recovering from failure

Failure is part of innovation and the growth process. Regardless of misses on a target, products that did not sell, or chances that were missed, failure happens. Resilient teams see failure as feedback. They get back on their feet quickly, learn from their mistakes, and keep pushing forward.

c.        Staying energized and focused

Life in a startup is intense. Late nights, tight deadlines, and heavy expectations can be exhausting even for the most committed teams. Resilience helps us keep our feet on the ground, spirits high, and eyes on the prize when the going gets tough.

With all the above in mind, working for a startup actually comes with benefits that can go beyond the risks taken by an employee to work for one. Employees can see several sides of the business very quickly and each small effort counts as the contribution of every employee can turn the course of the company, at the same time, the small team tends to form very close ties and friendships which can mean a better unified and robust team.

My favourite benefit for working and believing in a startup is the ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan). Should startups succeed, early employees contributing to the success can be offered stock options and financial appreciation for their efforts.

In conclusion, working for a statup involves taking a risk, a leap of faith and strong gamble-on the company, the team, and yourself. Not a fit for everyone, but for the right kind of person, it can be the ride of a lifetime.

We at cashmystock.com are very lucky with a team that is resilient, believing in the vision and ready to give it all to make their company a remarkable success story. Cash My Stock LLC FZ across all branches in #DUBAI, #Saudi, #Iraq, #Nigeria and #Kenya will go far with a team willing to do anything for the growth and success of their company. Onwards and upwards guys!!! Let's keep it up.