[meiji]

The problem doesn't just exist with small companies and startups. I've worked with C-level people from established companies who are no more self-aware; they feel the job title makes them important rather than responsible. They feel the job title means they work less rather than work more. In both cases the latter is true.

I'd take someone seriously as a CEO if they behaved like one and that includes involving your colleagues in what you do, be they the board of a fortune 500 company or a few interns for a bootstrapping startup. The arrogance that you are the only person who has good ideas is what kills companies and that goes double for startups of any ilk.