Uber CEO: At Uber, If You Don’t Perform, You’re Out! Uber Was Losing $3b A Year

1. Cultivate Relentless Hard Work

Prioritize developing hard work as the most important skill in life, as it’s learned, not innate, and compounds over time to create a significant advantage in any field. This relentless effort is a key differentiator for elite performers.

2. Embrace Radical Transparency

As a leader, be consistently honest and direct with your team about challenges and realities to foster a culture where hard truths are reciprocated and unfiltered information flows upwards. This approach helps attract individuals who are ready for the fight and ensures better decision-making.

3. Actively Fight Conflict Avoidance

Consciously challenge your natural inclination to avoid conflict in personal relationships, as this behavior can lead to resentment and long-term relationship degradation. Actively address issues to maintain healthy, authentic connections.

4. Spot Exponential Growth Opportunities

Recognize that successful companies, especially those leveraging new technologies, grow exponentially, not linearly. Identify and invest in opportunities that exhibit “hockey stick” growth potential, even if it means “overpaying” based on current linear market projections.

5. Analyze Losses, Then Move On

When facing setbacks, acknowledge the loss, analyze why it occurred to extract lessons, but then quickly shift focus to the next action. This “lose, learn, next” mentality fosters constant motion and prevents losses from becoming long-term confidence deterrents.

6. Build Direct Information Channels

As a leader, create informal, direct channels to gather unfiltered information from all levels of the organization, bypassing hierarchical filters. Engaging with junior staff or those who “don’t give a shit” can surface critical problems quickly.

7. Prioritize Impact Over Happiness

When making significant career or life decisions, consider prioritizing the potential for impact over immediate personal happiness or comfort. Seeking opportunities to make a meaningful difference can lead to profound satisfaction and growth.

8. Don’t Over-Plan Your Career

Avoid rigid career plans that can limit curiosity and openness to new opportunities. Instead, remain flexible and allow the world to shape your path by being receptive to new signals and experiences.

9. Spend Quality Time with Children

Focus on investing time and building a strong connection with your children, as this is the fundamental magic of parenting, more so than specific tactics or attempts to control their development.

10. Never Take Success for Granted

Maintain a mindset of continuous building and never become complacent, even after significant achievements. The awareness that circumstances can change rapidly prevents stagnation and fuels an ongoing drive.

11. Design Unique Company Values

Develop company values that are specific, actionable, and truly differentiate your organization, rather than generic terms like “passion” or “teamwork.” These values should guide behavior and reflect the company’s unique culture.

12. Lead with Smart Risk-Taking

Actively encourage and exemplify smart risk-taking, especially as a company grows and becomes more successful. Leverage accumulated resources to be offensive and push boundaries, rather than becoming defensively risk-averse.

13. Combine Hard Work with Flexibility

Foster a culture that demands intense hard work and high performance while also offering flexibility for personal commitments. This means being available during non-traditional hours but respecting personal time for family.

14. Heal Past Regrets Through Present Connections

Address unresolved emotional gaps or regrets from the past by consciously investing in genuine conversations and connections in your present relationships, both personal and professional. This proactive approach can bring a sense of correction and fulfillment.