How to Ace the Startup Life
Getting straight A’s in school is quite a feat. But getting straight A’s at a startup is a must. From my view at the helm of CommonBond, I’ve noticed three qualities — all beginning with “A” — that differentiate the bad from the good, and the good from the great.
1. Accountability.
Have high standards. For yourself and for others. On the hook to get something done? Be accountable for doing it and doing it well. If it goes well, let others lead the praise, not you. If it goes poorly, be the first to say so. If you do this well, people will find you reliable. And reliability is what will earn you more responsibility as well as all the good things that come along with it (e.g., impact, pay, etc.).
What it looks like:
- Saying you’ll deliver something within a specific time frame, and doing it. Consistently. Over time.
- If a specific deliverable falls short or a deadline is missed, saying something to the effect of “Totally my fault. No excuse. Here’s what I have done already (or, will be doing) to fill the gap….” Even better if you’re the one to raise the issue before anyone else does (or even notices).
What it does not look like:
- “Well, I didn’t do it because I thought that….”
- Answering “What’s been done so far?” with a non-direct response or half-truths or round-about stories.
If you do this well, people will know you’re dependable. If you do this poorly, people will write you off.
2. Attitude.
You might be the best thing since sliced bread, but if you don’t have a positive “can-do” attitude towards your work or towards others, then you might as well go home (and stay there). There’s a lot of energy at a startup, given the aggressive goals and intense work ethic. It’s a charged environment. The best arbiter of all that energy is a good attitude. It’s what allows us to push the business forward in productive and tangible ways. A good attitude is also a giving attitude — giving of your time and support and knowledge — helping without being asked. There is little room for entitlement or ego.
What it looks like:
- Saying you’re going to stay late on Friday night or come in on Saturday — without even being asked — because you know your teammate needs help and you have something of value to add.
- Running out to get extra printing paper 10 minutes before a big meeting — without even being asked — to ensure there are enough decks for visitors, even though you have a graduate degree, are sharp as a tack, and “being somebody’s gopher” wasn’t in your job description.
What it does not look like:
- Putting on a sour face or ornery tone when asked to do something.
- Knowing that there’s a lot to do and still not raising your hand to help.
Attitude is the most under-rated of the three “A”s. It goes a long way.
3. Action-orientation.
It’s not about doing your job; it’s about getting the job done. Those who embody this distinction are the ones who push forward. They don’t let an unanswered email or even a “no” get in the way of what needs to happen. They are flexible in finding a way forward. Sometimes, they find a path forward when nobody else sees one. And then they lead us down that path. Persistence and grit are their two most trusty possessions in delivering results.
What it looks like:
- “Well, the first approach wasn’t working, so I took another. That wasn’t working either. But I kept trying until I got what we needed.”
- Coming to the table ready, after already having thought through the process, timing, and cost of a certain effort because you know you’ll be asked those questions — and you’ll need good answers to them — before the organization can move forward.
What it does not look like:
- “Well, I sent her an email. She just hasn’t responded yet.”
- “Well, I called.”
Emails and calls don’t deliver results; positive outcomes do.
A+ players exhibit all three “A”s, not just one or two. And startups only have room for A+ players (the successful startups, anyway). The art of the startup is to do more with less. And one of the most effective ways to do that is to hire people who do more than their fair share — well, and with the right attitude.
If doing more than your fair share — and having outsized impact — sound appealing to you, then I’d highly recommend you try your hand inside a startup.
David Klein is CEO and Co-Founder of CommonBond, a values-driven fintech company that is reimagining the student loan experience. The company refinances and consolidates student loans to provide a better experience through lower interest rates, personal customer service, a simple application process and a strong commitment to social good. CommonBond borrowers save over $14,000, on average, over the life of the loan by refinancing.
