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Should You Lead the Company You Started? A brief three-rule guide to determine if you're the right person to steer your company.

By Christopher Hann

This story appears in the June 2015 issue of Entrepreneur. Subscribe »

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Q: Am I the right leader for my startup?

A: They're creative visionaries, sure, but not all entrepreneurs are equipped to run the companies they start. Randy Nelson, author of The Second Decision: The Qualified Entrepreneur, suggests this three-step approach to deciding whether or not you should stay at the helm of your company.

1. Surround yourself with independent advisors. Nelson, who sold two businesses he founded, says he relied on CEO peer groups for input. The goal is to better assess your own strengths and weaknesses.