Introduction
In today’s post, I want to explore the critical importance of getting the right team around you, particularly in the context of SaaS and tech companies.
With AI advancing faster than ever, the sector is undergoing rapid transformations, and teams are under more pressure than ever to adapt and innovate.
As AI begins to take over more processes, ensuring that your team is not only skilled but also flexible and forward-thinking has never been more important. As we move toward the end of winter and start thinking about spring and summer vacations, I want you to ask yourself:
What’s your situation with your team?
Do you want to enjoy your time off, relaxing with family, or will you find yourself tethered to a laptop or smartphone, managing the business?
Having the right team is key to ensuring that your business runs smoothly, even when you’re not physically present. If you’ve ever wondered whether your team can handle things without you, this post is for you.
Default Positions
In many small to medium-sized tech businesses, particularly those that start as founders or partnerships, there’s a common issue I see: people are often stuck in roles by default.
You started out with a small team, maybe a partner, some early employees, or contractors who have been around since day one.
These individuals played pivotal roles in getting the business off the ground, and there’s no doubt that their contributions have been valuable.
However, just because someone was there at the start doesn’t always mean they are still the best fit for the role today.
As an tech founder, it’s easy to get blinded by loyalty, loyalty to the people who helped you launch the company, to those who’ve been with you through thick and thin.
However, there comes a point where you must assess whether those people are still the best choice for the role.
Especially when it comes to critical positions, such as revenue-generating or revenue-protecting roles, you must evaluate if someone is in a role simply because they were there at the beginning, or because they’re the best person for the job now.
For SaaS and tech companies, where rapid innovation and adaptation are essential, it’s especially important to have people who are skilled and driven to keep up with the fast-paced environment.
A strong, capable team will allow your business to scale effectively, which is critical in tech industries where talent is often the biggest factor in growth.
Ask Yourself: Would Your Business Run While You’re Away?
Here’s a simple yet powerful question to ask yourself:
'If you were to take a holiday, leave your smartphone behind, and not check in for two weeks, would your business run without you?'
If the answer is “no” or “I’m not sure,” then that’s a clear sign that your team may need more development or support, and systems and processes are missing.
The truth is, as the business owner, it’s your responsibility to ensure that your team is capable of managing operations without you hovering over them. In a SaaS company, this might involve ensuring that your developers can independently handle sprints, your customer support team can resolve issues autonomously, or your marketing team can continue driving leads without constant input into your 'productled' PLG funnel.
If you don’t have confidence in your team to manage the business in your absence, it’s time to invest in their development or potentially reconsider the roles within your company.
Don’t Be Blinded by Loyalty or Obligation
Loyalty is important, but it should never cloud your judgment when it comes to ensuring your team is performing at its best.
Your obligation is not just to the people who helped you start the business, it’s to the business itself, your customers, the stakeholders and your long-term growth.
You might have a team member who’s been there from the beginning, but if their skills no longer align with the needs of the company, it may be time for a reassessment.
In SaaS and tech, where change is constant, you need to stay ahead of the curve by ensuring that the people in key roles are equipped to manage the demands of the industry. Whether it's leadership, technical ability, or sales expertise, having the right fit in the right role is critical.
Use Tools to Assess and Align Your Team
One tool I highly recommend using to evaluate your team’s strengths and weaknesses is the Belbin Team Roles model.
Belbin’s reports help you understand what type of skills your team possesses and match them with the most suitable roles. It’s a great way to make sure that each person is positioned where they can contribute the most to the success of your SaaS or tech company.
Don't make the mistake of keeping people in roles simply because of loyalty. Instead, use tools like Belbin to align your team’s strengths with the needs of the business.
When It’s Time to Let Go
At some point, it may become clear that certain individuals in your company are not aligned with the vision or culture of the business. Having people who are aligned with your goals and have the right mindset is essential for growth.
If you’ve tried everything to bring someone up to speed and they’re still not performing or buying into the vision, it’s time to move on.
That can be a tough call, but it’s a necessary one. Having a team that isn’t fully engaged can severely limit your company’s potential.
Sometimes, the best decision is to part ways, no matter how difficult it may seem.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, getting the right person, in the right seat and the highest performing team around you is one of the most important aspects of growing a successful SaaS or tech company.
If you’re still stuck in a situation where people are in roles due to loyalty or obligation, it’s time to take a hard look at your team and ask yourself:
Are they the right people for the job today?
By aligning the right people with the right roles and helping them grow, you can create a team that allows your business to thrive, whether you’re on holiday or in the office.
Always here to help you start, grow, and thrive. Let me know how I can support your next big move.
