Every founder is ambitious and competitive.

They have big dreams, good ideas, and high motivation.

So what are the best founders doing differently?

Obviously market and idea selection matters (A LOT).

But even in great markets, how a founder executes day-to-day makes a huge difference in company outcome.

Here’s 5 habits that I see consistently across highly successful founders.

1. Work on the important things

So many shiny objects and competing priorities in a startup.

The best founders are able to tune out the noise and focus on what matters.

Doing the things that only a founder can do.

It varies based on company stage but it almost always involves: selling, funding, strategic planning, and hard conversations.

That’s how the business moves forward.

#Protips

(Pick your faves)

• Procrastination (seriously!)

• Decrease meeting creep

• Remove yourself as a bottleneck

• Prioritization spreadsheet

• Post-it notes and calendar blocks

• Effective annual planning

2. Relentless and clear communication

Say it 12 times. Then say it another 12. Then maybe someone will remember.

Such is the life of a founder.

But the best founders don’t mind.

They will communicate clearly and succinctly the vision, values, and story over and over again.

Until everyone in the company knows it. The new hires do too. Customers. Friends. Friends of customers. Friends of friends of customers.

Why?

Because it’s simple and they’ve heard it 1000 times!

#Protips

• Send a weekly update

• Identify and embrace Core Values

• Use a One Page Strategic Plan

• Fine tune a 4 word elevator pitch (start here, you can always make it longer)

3. Emotional regulation

You have to take care of yourself to take care of others.

Every parent has seen this first hand. When I’m tired, I’m more likely to yell at my kids or make knee jerk decisions. 😬😬😬

Ditto for founders.

A founder’s mood is contagious. When you’re positive and steady, the team is too.

If you’re freaking out, reactive, and yelling, that quickly permeates across the company.

I also love this coaching concept from Steve Magness:

“Be opposite the moment.”

If the team is down, you’re lifting them up. If the team is hyped, you’re staying grounded.

Either way, you, the founder, have to be in a good headspace and under control to bring what the team needs!

#Protips

• Take breaks

• Implement healthy micro habits

• Fill your cup

• Founder’s guide to staying healthy

4. Never-ending self improvement

Every great founder is constantly getting better.

Books, executive coaching, peer groups, podcasts — EVERYTHING.

It’s part of their DNA.

It’s also a key strategy for building a successful high growth business.

As Kyle Porter, founder of Salesloft, notably explained:

“You have to learn faster than your company is growing.”

#Protips

• Get exec coaching

• 4 ways to scale with your startup

• Make the move from “founder” to “CEO”

5. Self-awareness

Last but definitely not least.

This quality is what makes all the other habits possible.

Knowing who you are:

• What you like

• What you are good at

• What you are not good at

• What does your company need

• How are other people reacting to you

Read the room! Look in the mirror!

You can’t improve, self-regulate, communicate, work on important stuff…without a pretty clear picture of what works (or doesn’t) for you.

Confidence is important.

Got a chip on your shoulder?

Great. No better way to prove everyone else wrong by building a big, successful company. 😉

But you also have to be open, coachable, and willing to work with your strengths and weaknesses.

How you grow the company, who you hire, core values, likely outcomes — all start with clear self-awareness!

What else? What other common habits have you seen from top founders? What has been the most important habit for you? Any tips on how you implemented or improved one of these??