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I think this is great advice for a CEO's emotional well being. But it isn't true. I know I care a ton about the challenges our portfolio companies face and I k
by fredwilson 15y ago
I think this is great advice for a CEO's emotional well being. But it isn't true. I know I care a ton about the challenges our portfolio companies face and I know many other stakeholders who do too. Capitalism isnt uncaring
- dmor 15y agoSounds like some good tough love for CEOs (and everyone else really) who care too much. That's probably most of them, and a whole lot of employees, investors, and even customers too. IMO the why matters, but only for a moment, and then the "what are you going to do next?" has to become the focus. That way caring so deeply doesn't become unproductive -- you grieve the pain of mistakes and unfortunate outcomes for no more than a minute or two ("and this too will pass") and then keep moving. Startups are like sharks, if we stop moving we die.
- deleted 15y ago[deleted]
- deleted 15y ago[deleted]
- jackgavigan 15y agoI don't have a portfolio of companies but I agree with Fred. Stakeholders _do_ care and, more importantly, they want to help. The board, investors and employees may well have ideas or insight that haven't occurred to the CEO. The board and investors, in particular, often have a perspective that the CEO doesn't have because he's too close to the situation. Instead of, as Ben seems to suggest, putting his head down and powering through the adverse situation, a CEO should reach out to the people he claims "don't care" because, in failing to do so, he'll almost certainly miss out on some great advice and support.