As your startup grows, transitions will be necessary.  Two early milestones will occur when you have around 15 employees and then again around 45 employees.

At 15, the CEO has reached her capacity to keep a handle on everything and everyone.  At that point, division of responsibility has to occur and the level of trust has to go up.

45 employees brings about the introduction of middle management.  Management Processes take over as the CEO’s primary tool rather than central control of the decisions.

In each transition stage, be prepared to turn over control and decision making to your team.