Chesky noted, 'I totally changed how I ran the company. I used to be very hands off. I democratized data... But here's the weird thing: the less hands on I was, the more I got sucked into problems. By the time I got sucked into a problem, it was 10x the amount of work.' This reflects his shift to 'founder mode' which emphasizes personal involvement in company operations.
Graham's premise is that 'founder mode' can effectively run a company better than 'manager mode.' This suggestion arose from discussions among startup elites who attended a recent YC talk, indicating a shift in thought leadership.
The conversation surrounding 'founder mode' poses significant questions about management styles, with many debating whether this approach constitutes micromanagement or represents a more engaged leadership model. This has left a vibrant discourse within product communities.
Chesky continued, 'I decided to do something different. We're going to be totally integrated. One roadmap. I am going to be involved in every single detail.' This commitment to detailed involvement underpins the philosophy behind 'founder mode.'
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