They may be poised to offer stock to the public, acquire another company or merge with a competitor. As chief executive and visionary, she also needs to delegate all daily duties to the executive team. And more than ever, she needs to examine how the company's structure and culture work, Catlin says. It is always, always, always the leader who sets the tone for the culture. If something is wrong with your culture, look to yourself.
Experts point to some sure-fire signs and remedies.
Frank X. Dalton, partner in the Atlanta venture firm Cordova Ventures, looks for annual growth of 30 to 50 percent in the companies he funds. To compensate, Dalton asks his companies to fill out a monthly flash report made up of five or six milestones the company should have achieved. He also often brings in new board members to help his entrepreneurs navigate the growth phase. You need to manage it. And there is a high premium to moving very fast today.