http://www.gabrielweinberg.com/startups/team.html
Thank you so much for the link, it's the best I've read on the subject.
What qualities are important in choosing someone to hire or finding a partner to work with
21–28 of 28 posts
Re: What qualities are important in choosing someone to hire or finding a partner to work with
#22The critical two attributes in a successful partner without question are raw brainpower and an unwavering determination to succeed. Everything else is gravy.
raw brainpower is over rated
I agree - sheer enthusiasm and get it done attitude makes up and then some more for raw brainpower.
Something else that is important in the context of compatible personality is someone who is very direct and critical when needed.
Re: What qualities are important in choosing someone to hire or finding a partner to work with
#23Re: What qualities are important in choosing someone to hire or finding a partner to work with
#24Earlier quoted context omitted.
raw brainpower is over rated
I agree - sheer enthusiasm and get it done attitude makes up and then some more for raw brainpower. Something else that is important in the context of compatible personality is someone who is very direct and critical when needed.
That's a good point. The ability to disagree well is useful. I'd rather work with someone who won't automatically rubber-stamp everything I say but instead, when he disagrees, can argue his points in a clear and well-informed way. It is rather satisfying to be proven wrong and learn something in the process.
A friend of mine who works at Goog since the early days has noted several times that he frequently feels like the dumbest person in the room. He's quite bright and probably would be the smartest person in MOST rooms.
I think I would rather work somewhere I would feel like the dumbest person in the room than the smartest.
Re: What qualities are important in choosing someone to hire or finding a partner to work with
#25Question, from A to L what do qualities do you think you already have?
Re: What qualities are important in choosing someone to hire or finding a partner to work with
#26I hate to be so Covey's Seven Habits, but you gotta find someone that has the passion, skills, ethics, and temperament. These are the leadership skills needed to avert the worst situations.
They've gotta be able to communicate and be open-minded. And most of all, they have to have these qualities in lieu of a big ego. Sometimes, we 20-something's think we know a lot more than we actually do. I think the best of us are those that can listen attentively to contrary opinions.
Re: What qualities are important in choosing someone to hire or finding a partner to work with
#27Mental problems. I jest not. All (financially) successful people I know have serious mental problems. It's that special little fire in the belly that keeps you warm all those hard, lonely nights until you make it. Plus the extra voices in your head keep you company late at night. Oh and sexual frustration. Sublimation is a powerful tool if used properly. How many sexually satisfied folks with hot girlfriends who tend to their needs regularly do you know who are part of startups? None? Think about it. Your startup is your mistress. And professionalism. The ability to wait until after you've hit the jackpot to write that article about what a jackass your partner is, but to use the tension as fuel until you do so. Delusions of grandeur helps.
Re: What qualities are important in choosing someone to hire or finding a partner to work with
#28Mental problems. I jest not. All (financially) successful people I know have serious mental problems. It's that special little fire in the belly that keeps you warm all those hard, lonely nights until you make it. Plus the extra voices in your head keep you company late at night. Oh and sexual frustration. Sublimation is a powerful tool if used properly. How many sexually satisfied folks with hot girlfriends who tend…
Good answer. I think you might be right. I'm afraid you might be right.