A Few Tips From A Billionaire.
I just came across this awesome article from the ex-CEO of Alibaba, Jack Ma. He breaks things down in very absorbable points.
Jack Ma: The mistake I regretted the most
In 2001, I made a mistake. I told 18 of my fellow comrades whom embarked on the entrepreneurship journey with me that the highest positions they could go was a managerial role. To fill all our Vice President and Senior Executive positions, we would have to hire from external parties.
Years later, those I hired were gone, but those whom I doubted their abilities became Vice Presidents or Directors.
I believe in two principles: Your attitude is more important than your capabilities. Similarly, your decision is more important than your capabilities!
Jack Ma: You cannot unify everyone’s thoughts, but you can unify everyone through a common goal.
- Don’t even trust that you are able to unify what everyone is thinking; it is impossible.
- 30% of all people will never believe you. Do not allow your colleagues and employees to work for you. Instead, let them work for a common goal.
- It is a lot easier to unite the company under a common goal rather than uniting the company around a particular person.
Jack Ma: What does a leader have that an employee doesn’t?
A leader should never compare his technical skills with his employee’s. Your employee should have superior technical skills than you. If he doesn’t, it means you have hired the wrong person.
What, then, makes the leader stands out?
- A leader should be a visionary and have more foresight than an employee.
- A leader should have higher grit and tenacity, and be able to endure what the employees can’t.
- A leader should have higher endurance and ability to accept and embrace failure.
- The quality of a good leader therefore is his vision, tenacity, and his capability.
Jack Ma: Don’t be involved in politics
One should always understand ...