Larry’s List or How I learned what kind of organisation I want to work for

(This article was originally published to LinkedIn on 12/4/15)

It is an interesting time to be recruiting talent in Silicon Valley. Opportunities are abundant, salaries are off the charts, and unicorns are becoming so common that their mythical status is in jeopardy. Needless to say it is pretty tough if you are an employer. Yet within that environment some remarkably irrational things are happening. It is truly refreshing to see exceptionally talented individuals walk away from obscene compensation packages at some of the biggest and hottest employers in the valley often times for reasons considered nebulous by older generations, such as organisational culture and personal impact. I suppose in certain ways this has always been a hallmark of entrepreneurship in the valley and beyond, but to observe it first hand during the current environment is truly inspiring.

It is a timely reminder for all of us that we are not building mere companies, we are building vehicles that allow individuals to achieve great things. We are all made to grow but often times that only happens in the right environment.

Several years ago a wise friend, Lawrence Kao, shared with me a list he created of all the requirements he wanted in his next gig. Larry’s List was amazingly profound and collectively gave me a rubric against which I compared all subsequent opportunities. It has also become a critical guidepost which influences my interactions with colleagues on a daily basis. Over time his list forced me to make decisions which have had a profound impact on my career and for that I am forever grateful. Here’s to you Mr. Kao!

Larry’s List

I want to work in an organisation…

1. That values ideas and cherishes execution.
2. Where we are focused on creating: companies, products, services and experiences.
3. That acts small and nimble with a sense of fear that bigger fish are stronger and smaller fish are faster; so everyone is forced to constantly look ahead and do better work.
4. That always feels they have a chip on their shoulder and constantly has a need to prove they belong at the big table.
5. That celebrates victories and recognises people.
6. Where people are friends and they care about your weekend and how you take your coffee.
7. Where the team gets in a little over their heads and people from other departments and disciplines need to help out.
8. That doesn’t know what they are doing all the time and are willing to admit they don’t know what they are doing all the time.
9. Where people know how to take risks and if some of them don’t know how, they shut up, buckle in and come along for the ride.
10. Where I can see myself being an important contributor intellectually, emotionally and culturally for the next 10 years.