Understanding Founder Syndrome's Impact on Makerspaces
Written on
Chapter 1: The Essence of Founder Syndrome
A makerspace that loses sight of its core mission often becomes dominated by the personality of a key individual, such as the founder or a prominent board member. This phenomenon, known as Founder Syndrome, poses a significant organizational challenge rather than merely reflecting issues with an individual.
As makerspaces evolve, they must transition from a do-it-yourself, entrepreneurial phase to a more structured and managed approach. This shift necessitates the development of a robust administrative framework. Consequently, influential leaders must evolve from reactive, individualistic leadership styles to a more proactive and collaborative approach.
However, many find this transition difficult, resulting in a makerspace that operates reactively and ego-driven, failing to foster a stable community or an inviting environment for creativity. Such a culture can lead to a toxic atmosphere filled with paranoia, unhealthy rivalries, and even legal disputes, which detracts from the makerspace's original vision.
Founder Syndrome can manifest in a variety of organizations, not just makerspaces. It highlights that any deeply invested individual can influence organizational direction, not solely the founder.
Section 1.1: A Case Study of Founder Syndrome
The LeCody Anti-Pattern
Between 2011 and 2016, Andrew LeCody (also known as aceat64) was the President of Dallas Makerspace. His leadership tenure was marked by his unquestioned authority and trust from members. However, his lack of formal business management experience became evident when challenges arose regarding his competence. In response, he enacted policies to suppress dissent and abandoned foundational values such as openness and freedom of expression.
LeCody’s governance style deteriorated into one where he weaponized rules meant to promote harmony, using them instead to marginalize those he deemed undesirable. A committee chairman who raised concerns about LeCody’s practices faced expulsion for highlighting these issues.
At one point, LeCody even initiated a baseless defamation lawsuit against four former board members who had opposed his interference with organizational matters. His attempts to sow discord between factions within the board exemplified the Machiavellian tactics often associated with Founder Syndrome.
As tensions escalated, the community suffered immensely. LeCody's actions not only divided the leadership but also alienated the membership, leading many to abandon Dallas Makerspace in search of more welcoming environments. The organization's reputation suffered a significant blow, as members once filled with enthusiasm turned disillusioned.
Ultimately, while Andrew LeCody did not intentionally seek to harm Dallas Makerspace, his actions reflect the core issues of Founder Syndrome. Those afflicted by it often believe they are safeguarding their vision, remaining oblivious to the damage inflicted on the community they profess to cherish.
Section 1.2: Mitigating Founder Syndrome
To address the challenges posed by Founder Syndrome, it is crucial for stakeholders to confront the individual responsible for perpetuating these issues. Frequently, such individuals may become defensive, blaming others for their failures. Without proper coaching or support, they may need to be removed from their position of influence to prevent the makerspace from becoming unsustainable.
Explore how toxins from soils can be removed to protect our planet, as discussed in "Founder Story: Allied Microbiota."
Chapter 2: Finding Solutions
What are your thoughts on the issue of Founder Syndrome within makerspaces? What strategies do you believe could effectively mitigate its effects?
As an author on Medium, I encourage you to join and explore my collection of stories, alongside those written by many talented authors. Your membership supports both me and the broader writing community.
Mark Havens is the Founder and Executive Director of the Dallas Maker Community (DMC), a nonprofit aimed at revitalizing Dallas Makerspace, the largest all-volunteer makerspace in the U.S. DMC is committed to enhancing maker-focused marketing and leadership education for organizations throughout North Texas.
Listen to Heidi Jannenga, President & Co-Founder of WebPT, discuss standing for something in the entrepreneurial landscape.