When a tech startup runs well, it's constrained open allocation. People can't just go off and "do whatever" but if the work is important to the business, anyone gets to step up and do it. There's no fighting over "headcount" or jockeying for plum projects. There is the work that needs to be done and as long as (a) people work on things that are relevant to the business, (b) people take enough of an ownership mentality to do the difficult or unpleasant stuff that's comes along with the good, they remain in good standing.
Once you have closed allocation, you're definitely not a startup.
When a tech startup runs well, it's constrained open allocation. People can't just go off and "do whatever" but if the work is important to the business, anyone gets to step up and do it. There's no fighting over "headcount" or jockeying for plum projects. There is the work that needs to be done and as long as (a) people work on things that are relevant to the business, (b) people take enough of an ownership mentality to do the difficult or unpleasant stuff that's comes along with the good, they remain in good standing.
Once you have closed allocation, you're definitely not a startup.