2 ms·

I don't think that's why lists like this aren't useful. A simple test would be imagine the reverse were true. For instance, here is the effective traits from th

by bko 4y ago

I don't think that's why lists like this aren't useful. A simple test would be imagine the reverse were true. For instance, here is the effective traits from the article. - Treat people like volunteers vs treat people like paid employees - Protect the team from distractions vs distract your team - Minimize unnecessary micromanagement vs introduce unnecessary micromanagement - Invite disagreement vs squash all disagreement - Preserve interpersonal equity vs treat people arbitrarily - Keep pace with expertise vs ignore whats going on around you - Overcome discouragement vs succumb to discouragement The ineffective founds list would probably be something similar, like "be a dick", "ignore your colleagues", "be volatile", etc.

saiya-jin 4y ago
I am 100% sure plenty of failed founders do all this and much more. I understand the logic and emotions where this wish list comes from, but reality tends to be more complex. People, and companies change. Ie being a dick at right moment may allow you to push through situation that would make weaker / more moral ones fail. And about gazillions of other possible examples that may be counterintuitive.
zh3 4y ago
This is a great technnique, and is particularly effective when working out if someone (especially a politician) is saying something meaningful. "We will strive to make people happier and more productive". Who would say they strive for the opposite?
arcturus17 4y ago
“Treat people like volunteers” is such a double-edged concept though. Many of the catastrophic founders I’ve seen treat people like volunteers - in that they think passion will overcome piss-poor retribution and working conditions. It’s easy to think about “treating people like volunteers” when you’ve sorted out how to pay them at least close to market rates. Then yea, seek how to inspire them… But first, you may be better served if you treat them like professionals.

by bko 4y ago

saiya-jin 4y ago

I am 100% sure plenty of failed founders do all this and much more. I understand the logic and emotions where this wish list comes from, but reality tends to be more complex. People, and companies change. Ie being a dick at right moment may allow you to push through situation that would make weaker / more moral ones fail. And about gazillions of other possible examples that may be counterintuitive.

zh3 4y ago

This is a great technnique, and is particularly effective when working out if someone (especially a politician) is saying something meaningful. "We will strive to make people happier and more productive". Who would say they strive for the opposite?

arcturus17 4y ago

“Treat people like volunteers” is such a double-edged concept though. Many of the catastrophic founders I’ve seen treat people like volunteers - in that they think passion will overcome piss-poor retribution and working conditions. It’s easy to think about “treating people like volunteers” when you’ve sorted out how to pay them at least close to market rates. Then yea, seek how to inspire them… But first, you may be better served if you treat them like professionals.