Quiz for bosses: Am I still the right person for my company?
Is your current role in the startup still a good fit for you? – Find out with these eight questions.
Am I still the right person for my startup? Marcus Diekmann says he's asked no other question more often.
The experienced serial entrepreneur also invests in startups himself and supports founders as a mentor.
And he knows – not only from his own experience – the crux of running a startup: In many cases , the founders are not the right people to lead their company during growth phases .
In an interview with Gründerszene, Diekmann named four clear signs that indicate that a founder should hand over the leadership of their own startup – for the good of the company, but also for their own health.
Gründerszene has developed a quiz that you can use to determine whether you should rethink your role:
Based on the findings of serial entrepreneur Marcus Diekmann .
Answer the following 8 questions – note the points for each answer.
a) I calmly explain what I know and openly admit when I'm missing information. (0 points) b) I stutter and still try to answer everything. (1 point) c) I quickly become impatient and dismiss the question. (2 points)
Question 2: When do you usually have your last business conversations?a) At the latest by 6 p.m. – after that, it's time to call it a day. (0 points) b) It depends, but usually around 8 p.m. (1 point) c) Often at 10 p.m. or later – "that's fun!" (2 points)
a) Structured and reliable – I prioritize clearly and delegate selectively. (0 points) b) Sometimes a bit chaotic, but overall okay. (1 point) c) Like a chicken with its head on its head – a new obsession every day. (2 points)
a) I have a clear system with a backlog and prioritization. (0 points) b) I try to keep track of everything, but it's getting increasingly difficult. (1 point) c) To-do board? I tend to work spontaneously based on my gut feeling. (2 points)
a) Rarely to never – I'm still fully motivated. (0 points) b) Occasionally, especially during stressful periods. (1 point) c) Quite often – I often distract myself with other things. (2 points)
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a) Challenging, but manageable – I usually remain calm. (0 points) b) Sometimes overwhelming, but I manage. (1 point) c) I often react heatedly and tensely. (2 points)
a) I analyze the situation and develop structured solutions. (0 points) b) I try to react quickly, sometimes a bit hectically. (1 point) c) I get nervous immediately and tend to make panicked decisions. (2 points)
a) Last week – I consciously take time off. (0 points) b) A few weeks ago, but unplanned. (1 point) c) Can't remember – I'm always thinking about business. (2 points)
Everything's fine : You seem to have the challenges of entrepreneurship well under control. Stay alert and check regularly to see if it stays that way.
Critical phase : You're in a critical phase. Time for honest self-reflection: Do you need support or should you reconsider your role?
Red flag: The warning signs are clearly visible. It's time to seriously consider whether you're still the right person to run your startup operationally. Consider your own well-being and that of your team.
Note: This quiz is not a substitute for professional advice, but can serve as a starting point for important conversations with mentors, coaches, or your own team.
You can read more about the reasons why startups outgrow their founders and what solutions there are here:
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