That being said, I am fully aware that there has to be balance, there has to be discipline, and that the success and results of the company are of primary importance. I would make that clear to my staff/peers, but I would also encourage an environment that left things “open” enough for individuals to thrive and develop personally while working for the benefit of the overall company.

You’re a smart guy Jun – anyone can see that through your writing and work ethic – so don’t take any of this as an attack on your beliefs, it’s not at all. You rock dude!

Great advice!

My goal was to open up the eyes of startup leaders. Hopefully I have been able to do that.

Discipline and culture. Keep it happy, fun and free, but at the same time, make sure that people are producing results.

Yes, I will now say that Company and Culture are equally important.

Thanks for the awesome comments.

I especially agree with your response to Tony. Give the person a task that needs completing, but let them be creative and come to a solution – as long as they ARE being productive, ARE getting their job done, and ARE going above and beyond, there is no reason to put them in front of the firing squad and strike fear in them.

There has to be a balance – I think we agree on this point. And there should be ‘flexibility within the discipline’ as you put it. I feel like the initial post was cold and showcased a ruthless attitude, but through comments and discussion, you have shown that there has to be balance. As a CEO of a startup company – I wouldn’t focus entirely on all fun without results. But focusing ONLY on results is unappealing (in my opinion). Optimal results can be achieved without acting as a dictator – I think leadership should be clear, but I also would encourage a more ‘democratic’ way of thinking, and would more than welcome suggestions and new ideas from my staff.

Focus on the company is crucial – but focusing on the people who work for you and the company CULTURE is equally important.

The best way to lead is to give a person “A”, and have them accomplish it in any way that they see fit. In this way, the task is accomplished, and the person has the freedom to do it however he or she wants to.

The key, I think, is to strive to kill two birds with one stone. If you can create a culture where results are what everyone in the company gets pleasure out of, that’s ideal.

I know that I personally do my best work when someone is on my ass pushing me hard. The strange thing is that I enjoy working hard and accomplishing things, but it’s hard for me to motivate myself without external pressure and high expectation. But of course, not everyone is like me…

Vigorous interviews are good because you will instantly weed out those who are not fit for you company and make your company seem more prestigious.