One useful way of thinking of potential hires in startups is determining if the candidate is a truck or a trailer.
Who is a Truck? Trucks typically…
- Carry the load. They are a multiplier.
- Can be relied upon to push themselves forward while pulling others along with them
- Take initiative and lead the way by charting a path, helping others grow
- Seek out opportunities and willingly take on challenges
- Have the strength and discernment to navigate bumps in the road
- Set the pace, create momentum, and take extreme ownership
Who is a Trailer? Trailers typically…
- Need someone to pull them forward
- Wait for direction, follow instructions, and generally rely on others to get them moving.
- Can play critical support soles, but need strong leadership and encouragement
- Need a clear path ahead
In my experience, your key leadership positions must be occupied by Trucks. You can win with an occasional Trailer, but they need to be paired with a strong Truck that will navigate the path and pull them along. Ideally, any Trailers in your organization have the potential to grow into Trucks.
Which are you? Are you pulling others up, creating momentum and helping those around you rise? Or are you relying on someone else to pull you forward?
David Lightburn 
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