Founders can evaluate whether they have hired the right vice president (VP) using a simple four-part test outlined by SaaStr. The criteria focus on early hiring success, improvement in key metrics, delegation of responsibilities, and team confidence. This framework aims to help startups avoid costly delays and setbacks caused by underperforming leadership, according to saastr.com.
The test begins by assessing if the VP has hired at least one great candidate within the first 60 days, reflecting that recruiting is half the VP’s job. Next, founders should check if the VP’s primary key metric has improved, indicating tangible impact. The third criterion evaluates whether the VP has taken part of the workload off the founder’s plate. Finally, the test considers whether the team believes in the VP’s leadership. Failure to meet these benchmarks suggests the need for a leadership change, saastr.com explains.
This approach addresses a common challenge in startups, where hiring the right VP can determine the pace of growth. Waiting too long to act on a poor hire can stall the business for a year, while overhiring drains financial resources. By focusing on measurable outcomes and team sentiment, the test provides a practical tool for founders to make timely decisions. It complements broader talent management strategies in the SaaS sector, where leadership quality strongly influences company trajectory.
Jason Lemkin, founder of SaaStr, shared this four-part test on June 20, 2025, emphasizing its simplicity and effectiveness. Founders applying this framework can better identify whether their VP hires are contributing meaningfully within the critical first two months, potentially saving valuable time and capital.