If the Shoe Fits: Two Sides of the Force
by Miki SaxonA Friday series exploring Startups and the people who make them go. Read all If the Shoe Fits posts here
Hmm, does the following look like a list of characteristics often attributed to founders?
- See themselves and their companies as dominating their environment
- Identify so completely with the company that there is no clear boundary between their personal interests and their corporation’s interests
- Think they have all the answers
- Ruthlessly eliminate anyone who isn’t completely behind them
- Consummate spokespersons, obsessed with the company image
- Underestimate obstacles
- Stubbornly rely on what worked for them in the past
Do you preen a bit when they are applied to you, albeit using less harsh language?
Do you see them, with the exception or modification of number seven, as the traits that will help drive your company to success?
Would it surprise you to know that the list is from The Seven Habits of Spectacularly Unsuccessful Executives in Forbes?
Do you agree with the many comments saying that the same traits are found in highly successful CEOs, with Steve Jobs as most frequent example? In other words, it’s not the traits, but the actions they drive that matter most.
Do you embody these traits?
What actions do they drive in you?
Option Sanity™ drives transparency
Visit Option Sanity for an easy-to-understand, simple-to-implement stock process. So easy even a CEO can do it.
Warning.
Do not attempt to use Option Sanity™ without a strong commitment to business planning, financial controls, honesty, ethics, and “doing the right thing.” Use only as directed.
Option Sanity™ is not recommended for micromanagers, manipulators, or politicos. Founders and CEOs with large egos, or a sense of entitlement, should avoid prolonged exposure to Option Sanity™.
Users of Option Sanity may experience sudden increases in team cohesion and worker satisfaction. In cases where team productivity, retention and company success is greater than typical, expect media interest and invitations as keynote speaker.
Use only as directed. Excitement and a strong feeling of virtue are expected; contact your Option Sanity™ rep at the first sign of smugness or if you experience difficulty explaining Option Sanity™ to others.
Flickr image credit: HikingArtist
