How to Protect Your Team and Yourself as You Scale

Entrepreneur

by Jonathan Herrick

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Scaling a business effectively requires more than just growth—it demands a focus on systems that create clarity, reduce friction, and protect teams from burnout. The article emphasizes that sustainable growth is not about creating chaos but building resilience through thoughtful design. Leaders must prioritize clarity over speed, ensuring that scaling makes the business easier to run rather than adding unnecessary pressure. Burnout, often seen as an individual issue, is actually a systems problem rooted in unclear priorities and fragile processes. By investing in strong systems early, businesses can reduce cognitive load, eliminate rework, and maintain focus on what truly matters. The article highlights that growth should not come at the expense of sanity or stability. When scaling works well, teams feel more aligned, decisions are clearer, and there’s a sense of direction rather than constant urgency. However, when growth is mishandled, it leads to confusion, multiplied meetings, and leaders spending too much time untangling problems instead of driving progress. The key is to create guardrails that allow for speed without losing sight of the end goals. For startups, this approach is particularly vital. Founders often believe that growth must be painful, but this mindset can lead to burnout and long-term damage. Instead, focusing on sustainable scaling practices ensures that teams remain resilient and effective. By prioritizing clarity, ownership, and structure, businesses can avoid the pitfalls of rework and maintain momentum without sacrificing their people’s well-being. Ultimately, the article argues that growth should enhance the business’s ability to operate smoothly rather than strain its systems. Protecting focus and maintaining a clear vision are critical for startups aiming to scale successfully. By addressing systemic issues early and fostering a culture of resilience, leaders

Verticals

startupsbusiness

Originally published on Entrepreneur on 2/26/2026