Hiring for the startup

from Naeem Zafar
The Startup Advisor
20 Year Silicon Valley Veteran
University of California, Berkeley Haas Business School Faculty Member

There a huge difference between what I call an "owner's mindset" and an "employee mindset." Founders, cofounders, and even early employees must possess an owner's mindset, which involves being willing to do whatever is necessary to make the business successful. An employee mindset, on the other hand, centers on entitlement. Employees expect a salary, vacation time, and benefits. An owner does not think that way.

The presence of an owner's mindset should be one of your criteria, in addition to a technical proficiency test relevant to your business. You should also look for startup experience and/or innate entrepreneurial ability.

I have paid a heavy price for hiring the wrong people and not firing them soon enough. There is no room for this luxury in a startup business. It's like being stuck in a mineshaft--you must preserve the available air or everyone will die. No smoking allowed!