‘My first employee quit and it was 100% my fault’: Bengaluru-based founder's brutally honest post goes viral

In a candid LinkedIn post, Meenal Goel, founder of Bengaluru-based creative agency CreateHQ, admitted that her first employee's departure was entirely her fault. Goel shared that the employee left after just three months, citing burnout and frustration. The issue stemmed from a lack of clear expectations and role definition, which is a common problem among early-stage startups.

According to hiring data, 28% of new hires quit within the first 90 days due to unclear roles and expectations. Goel explained that she had hired the individual with enthusiasm but without proper structure, including no onboarding process, clear key performance indicators (KPIs), or 30-60-90 day goals. She admitted to expecting the employee to "figure it out" on their own, mirroring her own founding approach.

Reflecting on the experience, Goel emphasized that founders must provide clarity, while employees have the right to it. For her next hire, Goel implemented several changes, such as creating a detailed role description, setting measurable goals, and holding regular check-ins. These adjustments led to her second hire remaining with the company for 10 months and performing exceptionally well.

Goel concluded that the first few employees are crucial for a startup's success, as they join for the mission, clarity, and growth. She ended her post by asking fellow founders, "How many of your early hires are still with you?" Within five days of being posted, the post garnered numerous responses, with many users praising Goel for her honest reflection on her mistake.

The post has resonated with many, as it highlights the importance of setting clear expectations and providing direction for new hires.