Learn and be curious
Leaders are never done learning and always seek to improve themselves. They are curious about new possibilities and act to explore them. They first seek to understand, then to be understood.
Insist on the highest standards
Leaders lead by example by having relentlessly high standards — many people may think these standards are unreasonably high. High ethical standards are the foundation of trust. Leaders are continually raising the bar and drive their teams to deliver high quality products, services, and processes. Leaders ensure that defects do not get sent down the line and that problems are fixed so they stay fixed. Leaders listen attentively, speak candidly, and treat others respectfully. They are vocally self-critical, even when doing so is awkward or embarrassing.
Think big
Thinking small is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Leaders create and communicate a bold direction that inspires results. They think differently and look around corners for ways to serve customers.
Bias for action
Speed matters in business. Many decisions and actions are reversible and do not need extensive study. We value calculated risk taking.
Down to earth attitude
Leaders are humble and focus on impact we can bring to the world rather than status amongst others.
Frugality
Accomplish more with less. Constraints breed resourcefulness, self-sufficiency, and invention. There are no extra points for growing headcount, budget size, or fixed expense.
Dive deep
Leaders operate at all levels, stay connected to the details, audit frequently, and are skeptical when metrics and anecdote differ. No task is beneath them.
Have backbone, disagree and commit
Leaders are obligated to respectfully challenge decisions when they disagree, even when doing so is uncomfortable or exhausting. Leaders have conviction and are tenacious. They do not compromise for the sake of social cohesion but motivate teams to seek truth. Once a decision is determined, they commit wholly.
Deliver results
Leaders are intrinsically motivated and focus on the key inputs for their business to deliver them with the right quality and in a timely fashion. Despite setbacks, they rise to the occasion and never settle.