Lenny's Podcast: Product | Growth | Career

How to fire people with grace, work through fear, and nurture innovation | Matt Mochary (CEO coach)

250 snips

Nov 10, 2022

Matt Mochary, a seasoned CEO coach known for his work with tech leaders like Naval Ravikant, shares insightful strategies on firing employees with empathy. He emphasizes the emotional weight of layoffs and the importance of personalized communication. The conversation dives into recognizing and managing fear in leadership, fostering innovation within larger companies, and how to align tasks with personal strengths through an energy audit. Mochary's practical frameworks guide listeners to nurture emotional well-being and effective practices in challenging situations.

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ADVICE

Feedback and Defensiveness

To give feedback without causing defensiveness, use "I perceive you to be in X".
This avoids judgment and helps the receiver process the emotion.

INSIGHT

Anger and Pain

Anger is not a base emotion, but a cover for pain.
Instead of expressing anger, allow yourself to feel the underlying pain.

ADVICE

Firing with Compassion

When firing someone, become their agent and actively help them find a new job. This shows compassion and can preserve the relationship.

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In this book, Matt Mochary shares his expertise on leadership and management, drawing from his experiences as a founder, CEO, and investor. The Great CEO Within provides insights on how to transition startups into successful, dominant enterprises. The book covers various topics such as managing fear and anger, conducting effective meetings, recruiting efficiently, and maintaining personal energy. Mochary's coaching is known for offering real guidance rather than just questions, making it a valuable resource for CEOs and entrepreneurs.

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