Photo：Farid Askerov (@Unsplash)
When the conflagration of tennis from August to October had ultimately died down, the management had declared that everyone take regular shifts to rejuvenate and stay away from the protracted battle. Our efforts were somehow compensated. However, there were clandestine financing rumors spreading around, which tickled our temptation and clouded our judgement.
One week after the crusade, we were called to attend the not-so-often-held meeting where the management highly commended our sacrifice and furthermore, hoped that everyone would return with refreshing spirit for the most crucial due diligence by several venture capitals.
At that time, I was so dumbfounded as to question the rationale and motive of their investment. We put on a mask, and they fell on prey. That was my logic because all the messages and strategic planning were at the mercy of the management, and I had to say, without transparent communication and effective institutions, we were like helpless lambs waiting to be salvaged.
Such turmoil had long been growing in my mind. The early confrontation began when our department minced no words in rebuking the management’s decision in independent mobile application only for cajoling less qualified investors in early April. Every move was totally dictatorial and inflexible. To my surprise, they seemed to be quite delighted in pursuing their fantasies.
It was extremely intense and something would have exploded if the decision was pushed forward without our consent. One of the impressive remarks the management had disclosed was that since they "owned" this company, so it was imperative that proposals be executed without any dissent. From my perspective, it was absolutely nonsense and would jeopardize our cause with limited resources. In the end, my friend L, founder of this company, had gone great lengths in persuading both sides to compromise and focus on the bigger picture. Sometimes, compromise was the better choice if you were the underdog. Fortunately, the management continued his developing schedule and we accentuated the prospective returns.
It was the first time that I had serious doubts about the future and what I could do to reverse the tide.
The more critical moment came when our ideal business was based on the traditional marketing and branding essential to ensure the revenues without perfect products. Never had it crossed my mind that the management was sticking to the orthodox business rather than embracing the innovative industry. Conventional wisdom enlightened me that the fundamental paradox between users and revenues always stood in the way. As it dawned on me that painstaking struggle would only result in futile endeavor, I could not help asking myself what on earth I was doing and why I had been blind to all of these tricks. At the same time, other members in the company shared my deepest concerns, but some of them ignored the brutal fact and went on idling away the most precious treasure in life.
I lamented, reflected and decided to mind my own business. Without further inquiring details, I would still do my best in mundane work, which had failed to inspire me. During the Spring Festival, I would jump at the chance to openly discuss with my dad. He tried his best to empathize with my dilemma, and the honest conversations shed some light in my aimless career.
It was time to leave behind what I had sacrificed.
My annoucement was a surprise to all, as I had expected. However, I did not regret and exchange my heart with all of them. Deep inside, I was nostalgic and sentimental. Though everything would be gone in smoke, the experiences and failures would no doubt make me stronger and even more rational down the road.
At the end of March 31st, I handed in my laptop and took the metro back to home.
After several days away from work, I was urged by my ego to speak out and write down all the lessons so as to remind myself and perhaps others who encounter similar episodes.
Here is my practical advice to those who are willing to change the world:
As for the management, ideas will never suffice, and strategy and execution are the overriding definition of the highest possibility a startup could tap. Endless discussions, frequent schedule changes, dictatorial management will crush our morale. On the contrary, companies with consistent strategies and audacious execution will be more likely to triumph in the competitive market.
As for the team, mutual growth matters. The worst case will be that members in a team share different perspectives but will never succumb to the other’s opinion. Blindness and feelings consume their promising career, and as a result, they will part ways and even become enemies in the future.
Mutual growth, an expression that Kelvin Kelly highlights in his popular bookOut of Control, is originally intended for explaining natural dependence in biology. However, it can be also applied to social relationships because we are social animals and our happiness comes from those who are dear to us. Enterprises are encouraged to let the team be more self-reliant and cooperative.
As for the individual, lifelong learning becomes predominant in careers, especially when one is fortunate to participate the revolutionary industry in person. When all learning is routinely accessible, there is no illusion that the world would still be the one a decade ago. Besides, the market is innovating to enable everyone to learn and earn in new ways, but it will always rest on our shoulders to carry on the torch.
Been there, done that.
As the previous chapter has come to an end, I believe my faith will always spark.
Hope we are all inspired~
欢迎关注我的公众号「听天由己」或搜索 rexinspired
网友评论