One of the most common problems I find in startup teams with generalist or multidisciplinary co-founders is their inability to establish clear roles and boundaries from the outset.

Non-coincidentally, these founders struggle to ship consistently. They exist in a fog of indecision and, despite being perpetually busy, rarely produce anything of lasting value. 

But why?

Many self-described creative people perceive the enforcement of roles, job descriptions or explicit boundaries as akin to putting themselves in a box. They claim that boundaries stifle their creativity. 

I don't buy it. I think they're afraid of the box.

"What cowardice fears most of all", Kierkegaard wrote, "is the making of a resolution for a resolution instantly dissipates the mist."

Roles don't leave room for anybody to hide. 

Roles mean that everyone is on the hook.

Best of all, roles enable truly creative people the freedom they seek. Truly creative people own their box - and they're proud of it. 

If they stand on it, it becomes their platform.

If they stack theirs on top of others - it's a fortress. If someone enters it without permission - it's their cage to defend.

Instead of stifling creativity, establishing clear founder roles signals collaborative expectations and the fundamental rules for shipping the work.

If you're in a startup team with generalist co-founders, don't be afraid of the boxes you put yourselves in.

Embrace it.

#ship30for30 #startups #entrepreneurship #founders #founderX