March 04, 2010: Founder's disease
Category: Administration - organization
Posted by: David M Patt
It's called that because it often afflicts the founders of organizations. They create something the way they want it and won't allow anybody to change it. They are convinced that nobody else can match their success as a leader.
When they are ready to let go of the organization (sometimes they never let go) they insist the successor must be just like them.
Founders usually dominate Boards of Directors. Board members may be handpicked by the founder and they absolutely revere that person. When serving as Executive Director, the founder manages (or mismanages) staff, dictating policies there, as well. The founder treats the organization as his or her own personal enterprise and may enjoy unchecked power.
Board members who disagree with the founder are generally outvoted and may be driven out of the organization (if they don't quit, first).
Founders may have the spirit and ability to start very useful organizations. But they are often creators, not managers, and should step aside once they've breathed life into an association.
If they are good fund-raisers, they should continue to raise money for the organization, but leave decision-making to others.
Unfortunately, those afflicted with Founders Disease usually don't realize they have it. By the time the effects are revealed, it is often too late to remedy the problems.
Warning to association professionals: beware of organizations in which the Founder is doing the hiring. That person may merely be looking for clones.
When they are ready to let go of the organization (sometimes they never let go) they insist the successor must be just like them.
Founders usually dominate Boards of Directors. Board members may be handpicked by the founder and they absolutely revere that person. When serving as Executive Director, the founder manages (or mismanages) staff, dictating policies there, as well. The founder treats the organization as his or her own personal enterprise and may enjoy unchecked power.
Board members who disagree with the founder are generally outvoted and may be driven out of the organization (if they don't quit, first).
Founders may have the spirit and ability to start very useful organizations. But they are often creators, not managers, and should step aside once they've breathed life into an association.
If they are good fund-raisers, they should continue to raise money for the organization, but leave decision-making to others.
Unfortunately, those afflicted with Founders Disease usually don't realize they have it. By the time the effects are revealed, it is often too late to remedy the problems.
Warning to association professionals: beware of organizations in which the Founder is doing the hiring. That person may merely be looking for clones.
