I didn’t realize that so many non-profits and government institutions are controlled by the CIA.
More seriously, I’m not sure why this particular post got folks so offended. A few callouts, but nothing that seems that controversial. Some typos—and writing on this platform myself, you should always strive for none/few as possible, but nothing that was more than a slight bump in reading (and none in skimming).
Interesting topic and a good continuation of the broader “modes” conversation.
I worry about how this behavior crosses organizational boundaries as bureaucratic organizations wind up creating title inflation to go along with large organizations. Larger titles with large on-paper scope make these people easier to hire at other companies, spreading the problem around.
Tech CEOs turned out to be bad at hiring, setting up incentives, delegating and managing. Since they can't introspect and recognize their mistakes, we get the founder mode fad.
Saw a fast rising company founder go through just this, the disconnect....more like Meeting Mode.
The entire business became based on meetings, instead of customers which grew it. Even saw the bureaucrat mode power play - gobble gobble one of us - finding that the founder mode that grew the company didn't apply any more.
Scaling is so tricky, and why do these modes inherently have to conflict? For me, it's always power and control at play, on both sides.
A full-stack founder with a vision no one can imagine is rare. It is founder mode rather than bureaucratic or manager mode that drives execution. Just look at Canva and AirBnB.
This is what attracts the top talent to build something wonderful.
Great article that complements the discussion on LinkedIn started by Itamar Gilad. The founder’s mentality book by Zook & Allen contains a lot of examples and tips on how to avoid bureaucratic mode stops a company growth
In tech, at least we have a cycle of life where new startups can take over.
In government, we have a cycle of bureaucracy that steals more wealth and freedoms until we reach communism.
Such an interesting comparison.
Industrial complexes (i.e. military, academic) are the clots that arrest the flow of ideas, technology, and money throughout society.
I work in a large government bureaucracy and hear these phrases and see these tactics daily. Sigh. This was difficult to read.
Traumatic to read. Ugh.
Your posts are very refreshing and informative. Thank you.
I didn’t realize that so many non-profits and government institutions are controlled by the CIA.
More seriously, I’m not sure why this particular post got folks so offended. A few callouts, but nothing that seems that controversial. Some typos—and writing on this platform myself, you should always strive for none/few as possible, but nothing that was more than a slight bump in reading (and none in skimming).
Interesting topic and a good continuation of the broader “modes” conversation.
I worry about how this behavior crosses organizational boundaries as bureaucratic organizations wind up creating title inflation to go along with large organizations. Larger titles with large on-paper scope make these people easier to hire at other companies, spreading the problem around.
I have always wondered if a culture of empowering teams to do small experiments/Beta launches helps with this problem.
Btw you have a typo "...how maNy people are working on your projects"
fixed!
Has this article been approved by the legal team? lol
The lowkey Europe diss 🤫
i almost wrote a paragraph about it haha. But Draghi report is real
I invite you to sneak in that paragraph here in the comments... curious to hear your thoughts, as always
Plus one :)
Another plus one, I'm very curious about your view on Europe. :)
So many typos in today's edition. The road to hell is paved with poor copyediting, apparently.
i'm in writer mode, not editor mode
typos likely intentional
I find it refreshing to find typos! I'd take them over ChatGPT blogging any day
Tech CEOs turned out to be bad at hiring, setting up incentives, delegating and managing. Since they can't introspect and recognize their mistakes, we get the founder mode fad.
Saw a fast rising company founder go through just this, the disconnect....more like Meeting Mode.
The entire business became based on meetings, instead of customers which grew it. Even saw the bureaucrat mode power play - gobble gobble one of us - finding that the founder mode that grew the company didn't apply any more.
Scaling is so tricky, and why do these modes inherently have to conflict? For me, it's always power and control at play, on both sides.
A full-stack founder with a vision no one can imagine is rare. It is founder mode rather than bureaucratic or manager mode that drives execution. Just look at Canva and AirBnB.
This is what attracts the top talent to build something wonderful.
PM/PMM/IC still apply.
Great article that complements the discussion on LinkedIn started by Itamar Gilad. The founder’s mentality book by Zook & Allen contains a lot of examples and tips on how to avoid bureaucratic mode stops a company growth