Digestable

Bite-sized principles, frameworks, and wisdom from builders, founders, and leaders I admire.

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Elon Musk's Company-Building Principles

  1. 1.
    Apply The Algorithm constantlya. Question every requirement. b. Delete any part of the process you can. c. Simplify and optimize. d. Accelerate cycle time. e. Automate.
  2. 2.
    The only rules are the ones dictated by the laws of physicsEverything else is a recommendation.
  3. 3.
    Compare the cost of a finished product to the cost of its raw materialsThe Idiot Index. If a product has a high index, its cost could be reduced through more efficient manufacturing techniques.
  4. 4.
    If a timeline is long, it's wrong
  5. 5.
    Hire for attitudeSkills can be taught.
  6. 6.
    The leader should be on the front lines
  7. 7.
    Camaraderie is dangerousIt makes it hard for people to challenge each other's work.
  8. 8.
    Don't fear losingIt hurts the first 50 times, but then you'll be able to play with less emotion and take more risks.
  9. 9.
    Design and production should never be separatedKeep everything together and feedback immediate.
  10. 10.
    Stay heads-down focused on doing useful things for civilization
  11. 11.
    The mission comes firstKeep the entire company committed to a common goal.
Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX
LeadershipFirst PrinciplesStartupsManufacturingManagement