Tag: jobseeking

Startup mentality

FabrizioLeave a comment

Startup mentality is a beautiful concept we are gradually wearing out.

It is about not being stuck in hierarchies and roles, being able to spot problems and go about solving them, having the flexibility to do work that matters whenever it is easier for you, feeling at ease with change and appreciating the challenges that come with it, sharing knowledge and experience with others to get better together.

On the other hand, it should not be about getting paid only when things are good and be happy about it, being loyal to the founders no matter what they preach, being on call 24/7, working 60 hours a week for years, competing relentlessly with everybody, being too busy to share, and having a vision of you on a Tesla in three years.

It is a not so subtle difference that might make or break your company. One to remember and often repeat to your colleagues.

P.S.: it is Christmas, and I am going to give away 5 Kindle copies of Storynomics to the first 5 who comment on yesterday’s post, sharing what they are getting from this blog. It is a slow burner, and I am going to run this until January 6th.

First, then

FabrizioLeave a comment

First perfect the making of the dough, then go buy the perfect oven and tools to cook the best pizza.

First learn to communicate transparently and effectively, then go buy the app that makes your company more open and inclusive.

First establish a practice of running, then go buy the equipment that will make you feel more like a pro.

It’s easier to start with the details that embellish the core. It makes us feel as if we are doing something important, as if we are going in the right direction. But if you do not get the core right, you have nothing to fall back onto when you realize details are just details.

Better questions

FabrizioLeave a comment

Are you good?

and

Can you tell me of a time you have been good?

are clearly two very different questions.

The first one is instinctive, of course I am good. The second one activates the slow part of the brain, the reflective part, and is way more difficult to lie to.

Behavioral questions like the second one can go a long way when you are trying to figure out something in a context that easily hides facts (perhaps for totally legitimate reasons). Getting used to asking better questions is a sure way to avoid disappointment later on. And to get better answers.

Tell me about the last time you have acted as a team player.

What is an example of a thing that makes this a great place to work?

Can you tell me of the last time you used our product, what have you done with it?

How often do people in your team get promoted?

Stand out

FabrizioLeave a comment

The faster way for you to build a story is to record what you do.

Do it daily and consistently, and after a while, as you look back, you will find threads that already are the seed of a narrative. Put them together, water them, double down on recording, and you have everything you need to stand out from the masses.

Again.

The best time to start doing this was yesterday. The second best time is today.

No better investment

FabrizioLeave a comment

When you know yourself, the rest will follow. The opposite, unfortunately, is not true.

Getting to know your strenghts and your limits, what triggers you and what motivates you, what really matters and what you can let go. Having the capacity to adapt to your own mood, understanding that today it is simply not the day, that right now is the moment to push, that your getting mad yesteday is because of the lack of sleep. Not beating yourself up while still holding yourself accountable.

There is no better investment than the time you spend getting to know yourself.