CULTURAL MANAGEMENT STYLES : UNCOMFORTABLE LIBERTARIANISM So, I have all these U

CULTURAL MANAGEMENT STYLES : UNCOMFORTABLE LIBERTARIANISM

So, I have all these Ukrainian guys now. And, it’s hysterical fascinating trying to get them out of hierarchical thinking. In America, if yo say “you’re a partner” and give someone stock, they pretty much act like an owner, and relegate you as CEO to judge and jury.

But here, it’s pretty hard. Just no concept of it. Right ethics, but no mental model. They guys are capable but just can’t comprehend it.

I have all these things I say like:

“It’s unscientific for me to think I know all the answers. It’s just that I have the need to make decisions in real time with the information at my disposal.”

Or “My ego isn’t tied up in being right. My ego is tied up in developing a product that sells.”

or “I don’t think I know anything. Argue with me. Either you’re able to make your case or you’re not. If do I’ll just say…. Damn. You’re right. Watch me. I say it all the time.”

Or “I gave you this feature and the direction to use your judgement in developing it. Why do you think I did that? To trip you up? Or to leave open the possibility that I’m wrong, and that you might improve on my ideas?”

Or (my favorite) “I have a very hard time believing that you’re not smart enough to make that decision without my input.”

Or “If I wanted people to just do what I tell them, I’d hire idiots. You don’t think I hired you, and paid you above market rates because you’re an idiot, do you?” (Love that one. No way out of it.)

They are getting their slowly.