The Soul of a Start-up

Publication Date: July 01, 2019

There’s an essential, intangible “something” in start-ups–an energy, a soul. It inspires enthusiasm and fosters a sense of deep connection and mutual purpose. While this spirit persists, engagement is high and businesses keep their edge. But all too often, companies lose their souls as they mature. Firms add new systems and structures and bring in experienced professionals–and in the process somehow crush their original energizing spirit. In research into more than a dozen fast-growth ventures and 200-plus interviews with founders and executives, the author has discovered how firms can overcome this problem. His work shows that there are three crucial dimensions to a start-up’s soul: business intent, or a loftier reason for being; unusually close customer connections; and an employee experience characterized by autonomy and creativity–by “voice” and “choice.” All three provide meaning to stakeholders. Drawing on the experiences of Netflix, Warby Parker, Study Sapuri, and others, this article describes how sizable companies can still protect and nurture the three elements. Doing that is the secret to staying great as you grow.

Pages: 9

To download this product after your purchase, simply sign-in to hbr.org and visit the “Purchases” area of your account.

Educators: Register as a Premium Educator at
hbsp.harvard.edu
, plan a course, and save your students up to 50% with your academic discount.

Students: Tell your instructors about the savings at
hbsp.harvard.edu.

Note: Quantity pricing discounts will be reflected at Checkout, prior to submitting your order.

Note: Quantity pricing discounts will be reflected at Checkout, prior to submitting your order.

Note: Quantity pricing discounts will be reflected at Checkout, prior to submitting your order.

Note: Quantity pricing discounts will be reflected at Checkout, prior to submitting your order.

Note: Quantity pricing discounts will be reflected at Checkout, prior to submitting your order.

Note: Quantity pricing discounts will be reflected at Checkout, prior to submitting your order.

Note: Quantity pricing discounts will be reflected at Checkout, prior to submitting your order.

Note: Quantity pricing discounts will be reflected at Checkout, prior to submitting your order.

Note: Quantity pricing discounts will be reflected at Checkout, prior to submitting your order.

Note: Quantity pricing discounts will be reflected at Checkout, prior to submitting your order.

Note: Quantity pricing discounts will be reflected at Checkout, prior to submitting your order.

Note: Quantity pricing discounts will be reflected at Checkout, prior to submitting your order.

Note: Quantity pricing discounts will be reflected at Checkout, prior to submitting your order.

Note: Quantity pricing discounts will be reflected at Checkout, prior to submitting your order.

Note: Quantity pricing discounts will be reflected at Checkout, prior to submitting your order.

Note: Quantity pricing discounts will be reflected at Checkout, prior to submitting your order.

Note: Quantity pricing discounts will be reflected at Checkout, prior to submitting your order.

When you place your first order on HBR.org and enter your credit card information and shipping address, ‘Speed-Pay’ ordering is enabled. ‘Speed-Pay’ is a service that saves the credit card details from your most recent purchase and allows you to re-use that card for future purchases. If you click the Speed-Pay button on any product detail page, your order will be charged to the most recent credit card information attached to your account and shipped (if applicable) to the last address we have on file for you. For more details

Educators: Register as a Premium Educator at hbsp.harvard.edu, plan a course, and save your students up to 50% with your academic discount.

Students: Tell your instructors about the savings at hbsp.harvard.edu.

Note: Quantity pricing discounts will be reflected at Checkout, prior to submitting your order. If you need to make additional copies to distribute, please purchase copyright permission.

Ebook: A digital book provided in three formats (PDF, ePub, and Mobi) for the price of one. Accessible within “My Library” upon purchase.

Hardcopy, paperback, softbound, magazine: Physical copy shipped from our warehouse to your requested shipping location.

PDF: PDF digital file. Accessible within “My Library” upon purchase.

Bundle: A themed collection containing two or more items at a special savings.

Note: Some of our products are available in other languages besides English, for example a “Spanish PDF” format means you will receive a PDF in the Spanish language.

A security code is added protection against credit card fraud. It is a 3 or 4 digit number appearing on the front or back of your credit card. See examples below.

Visa and Mastercard
The security code has 3 digits and appears on the BACK of the card in the signature panel.

American Express
The Card Identification Number (CID/4DBC) is a four-digit, non-embossed (flat) number that is printed on every American Express Card.

The CID/4DBC is ALWAYS located ABOVE the embossed (raised) account number on the face of the card. In some instances, the CID/4DBC is located on the left side of the card, but is always above the account number. Some cards have a four-digit number embossed below the account number, but this is not the CID/4DBC

If you have a promotion code, please enter it below. This promotion code field is case sensitive so please type all capital letters.

This product is intended for individual use only. To learn more about volume discounts for organizations and license opportunities for consultants, contact Lindsey.Dietrich@harvardbusiness.org.

Unable to locate your subscription account #?

Click here

The Soul of a Start-up

Research & References of The Soul of a Start-up|A&C Accounting And Tax Services
Source

Share on Facebook

Tweet

Follow us