CNLP 698 | Counterintuitive Advice on How to Attract and Keep High Performers, Getting Better Before Getting Bigger as a Younger Leader, and Thoughts on Paul Graham and Brian Chesky's Founder Mode with Brett Hagler
Dec 24, 2024
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Brett Hagler, CEO and co-founder of New Story, discusses groundbreaking strategies for young leaders on attracting and retaining top talent. He shares counterintuitive advice: focus on getting better before expanding. The conversation explores adapting traditional charity models into market-based solutions for housing challenges. They delve into 'founder mode' concepts from industry giants like Paul Graham, highlighting balanced leadership and long-term thinking as keys to success. Hagler emphasizes that effective leadership requires detaching personal identity from professional roles for greater impact.
Surrounding high performers with other talented individuals creates a culture of talent density that fosters growth and retention.
Adopting a long-term mindset allows leaders to navigate challenges strategically while keeping their organization’s vision intact.
Understanding the complexities of housing insecurity requires addressing underlying factors, leading to comprehensive solutions that enhance accessibility.
Deep dives
Attracting High Performers
To retain high performers, it is crucial that they be surrounded by other high performers. This environment fosters a culture of talent density, which is often deemed more important than mission or compensation when individuals choose a company. High performers thrive in settings where they feel challenged and can grow, making it essential to create teams composed of talented individuals. Establishing a workplace that encourages collaboration among high achievers ultimately attracts more of them and supports their retention.
The Importance of Long-Term Perspective
Leaders should adopt a long-term mindset to navigate challenges and ensure the sustainability of their organizations. Zooming out to understand long-term goals helps in recognizing potential barriers that must be addressed in the short term. This foresight allows leaders to make necessary adjustments while keeping their vision intact. Embracing a long-term outlook fosters resilience and strategic thinking in decision-making.
Transitioning from Charity to Market-Based Solutions
The recent shift from a charity-based model to a market-based approach in addressing housing needs highlights the complexity of the social housing crisis. This transition required a comprehensive understanding of the real estate market and adjustments to finance housing solutions sustainably. Acknowledging the limitations of philanthropy, the focus shifted toward leveraging market forces to enhance accessibility to housing for underserved families. As a result, organizations must evolve continuously to remain relevant and impactful in their missions.
The Complexity of Housing Insecurity
Understanding the intricacies of housing insecurity reveals numerous underlying challenges that must be addressed for effective solutions. Factors such as land property titling, access to mortgages, and the availability of local building codes all contribute to the difficulty in helping low-income families secure adequate housing. By tackling these foundational issues, organizations can develop comprehensive strategies that lead to sustainable results. A holistic approach ensures that all elements of housing ownership are considered, offering more effective support for those in need.
Building a Strong Team Culture
Successful organizations focus on hiring high performers and ensuring they are surrounded by colleagues who elevate their game. Establishing a culture of excellence encourages individuals to excel further while increasing overall organizational effectiveness. To attract such top talent, organizations may need to offer competitive compensation and maintain a small team of skilled professionals rather than a larger, less experienced workforce. Ultimately, building a strong team culture begins with recruiting individuals who not only fulfill the job requirements but also inspire and drive innovation among their peers.
How do leaders attract and keep high performers? Brett Hagler, Y Combinator grad and New Story Founder, shares a young leader's counterintuitive advice on how to attract and keep high performers.
Plus, Brett discusses getting better before getting bigger, and he and Carey share their thoughts on Paul Graham and Brian Chesky's Founder Mode theory.
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