Being the Founder of a business doesn't automatically make you a great people leader. A high-performing Founder & CEO has a strong track record of leading teams, developing people, and building a culture where others can succeed. 

A Founder spends significant time with employees and routinely solicits their ideas, suggestions, and help, in order to arrive at better solutions. They reinforce the value of the group and recognize the capabilities of the people around them.

A Founder empowers both individual contributors and teams to take risks while measuring performance and holding people accountable for results. They are natural coaches, mentors, and team builders who genuinely want the team to succeed—even more than themselves.

A Founder also has a proven track record of developing talent within the company. They provide specific behavioral feedback and create training and action plans that encourage the professional development of those on their team. Great leadership isn't simply about getting results from people, it's about helping their people become better.

The Litmus Test: Would former employees voluntarily choose to work with you again—even if they currently have a good job elsewhere? Do your key employees feel they continue to grow under your leadership? Have you ever had a 360° performance review on yourself and shared your results with your employees?

People Leadership is one of nine critical competencies to consider when asking the bigger question: Do you have what it takes to be CEO of your business?

Read more to explore the other 8 competencies and see how you measure up against the Founder performance bar.