An editorial framework for discussion. This note does not report empirical findings or client outcomes.
Map decisions before titles
Start with pricing exceptions, hiring, capital expenditure, and customer commitments. Record who proposes, who decides, and what repeatedly returns to the founder. An organization chart alone cannot explain the bottleneck.
Define the boundary
Keep strategic commitments and exceptional exposures visible to the founder. Give managers authority within clear commercial and risk limits. Specify the evidence that triggers escalation.
Test real exceptions
Run proposed rules against recent cases. Pilot the new authority in one area, review exceptions, and revise the rules before broadening delegation.
Routine and bounded → accountable manager
Cross-functional exception → named owner
Strategic commitment → founder / governing body