Pros
When David Mausolf and I (Dave Riggs) started Apex Growth, we spent many late nights talking about our vision for the company we wanted to build. One thing we 100% agreed on? Not recreating toxic past work environments. So we used our worst experiences as a roadmap to our core values. 4 non-negotiable values we landed on: 1ď¸âŁ Transparency â Iâve had bosses who refused to explain their decision-making processes. Which meant I didnât trust them or feel trusted. â Even if it doesnât directly impact somebodyâs job, we try to communicate the companyâs strategic direction to everybody. 2ď¸âŁ Vulnerability â I had a macho boss who wouldnât be accountable for mistakes. â David and I are honest with the team when we mess things up. It happens. It doesnât always feel great, but sharing the losses *and* the wins creates a safe environment for growth. 3ď¸âŁ Respecting Work/Life Balance â Iâve had bosses who thought I should be available 24/7. David slept under his desk during some late nights at Lyft. Not great for mental health. â We donât Slack or email people on nights or weekends asking them for urgent things. People shouldnât feel like they need to resolve something before going to bed or wake up anxious. 4ď¸âŁPositivity A few rules: - Always give feedback in private - Frame that feedback respectfully and supportively - Never yell (if you do that⌠what is wrong with you? Stop.) Ruling with an iron fist wonât get the best out of your team. Treating people with respect and dignity will. And I canât believe Iâm saying this, but â Thanks to all my former bad bosses. You showed me how to be better.
Cons
I hope we can meet up more in person!