In the world of startups, leadership can make or break a company. Founders who lead with a strong philosophy and approach to building relationships and achieving results can set their company on the path to success. In my experience, balancing these two elements has been the key to retaining talent and driving growth.

One of my favorite philosophies, borrowed from Dr. Henry Cloud, is extremely powerful: balance relationships and results. Building strong relationships based on trust is important, but so is having high expectations for results. One can't come at the expense of the other. Without trust, results will be elusive, and without results, trust will wane. The key is to find a balance between the two. When you strike that balance, you'll see higher retention rates and a team that's invested in the company's success.

To build that trust, I've found that empathy and vulnerability are essential. I've worked in most of the jobs within a startup, so I can put myself in the shoes of my team members and approach problems from their point of view. It's easier to build trust when your team knows that you understand the challenges they face.

Frequent touch points with direct reports are also important, especially in a remote culture. Communication is key, and over-communicating can help ensure that everyone is on the same page. When you're working remotely, it's easy to feel isolated and disconnected, so it's important to stay connected and engaged with your team.

But it's not just about building relationships within your team. It's also important to bring other departments along for the ride. Strong partnerships with product, sales, marketing, and operations can help break down silos and ensure that everyone is working towards the same goals.

Finally, mental and physical health are essential to any successful leader. It's important to recognize that sometimes team members need space to take care of themselves, and it's our duty to provide that space. For me, physical exercise and meditation are essential to maintaining my mental health. 

Leadership in any company requires a delicate balance between relationships and results. To be successful, you need to build trust with your team, communicate effectively, break down silos, and take care of your mental and physical health. When you strike that balance, you'll be well on your way to building a successful organization.