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“a” thinks workaholism is great, I agree but only if it’s temporary (project work). Get back to me in 15 years and let me know what’s your blood pressure and heart condition.

The opposite of workaholism isn’t playing games and Twittering your life away. It’s having time for family, friends, and self-development, relaxation and recharging. Something I think all of us, some more deep down than others, crave as human beings.

I will say that a deep conviction for what you are working on makes work seem more like a hobby you get paid well for.

I will also say that having other committed members on your team is far superior to having people who punch the clock and don’t seem to care as much.

I’ll take 10 workaholics over 40 clock watchers every time without question.

Workaholism is not a disease or something that should be frowned upon, it should be celebrated and encouraged.

I’m working at 11:32 P.M. because I have a passion for what I do and every line of code makes a difference. If I worked a crappy job, and came home, my hobby is hacking and that is how I choose to spend my time. Kooks who play games, completely waste time. Warcraft, Twitter and Second Life weirdos squander hundreds of hours that they will never get back.

It wasn’t politically correct to say “Fire people who aren’t Workaholics”, but they are the backbone of any great company.

The 80/20 Rule, is always true. 80 percent of your success comes from 20% of your team. If you can get rid of the 80% freeloaders and load up on 20% doers you will always come out ahead.

People who actually accomplish an impressive amount in a normal workday are scarce, in fact, I don’t know that I’ve ever met or seen one in the wild. You should obviously keep them if they provide value, but hard working startup team members shouldn’t have to suffer next to blog surfing Facebookers when there is a challenge ahead.

Once again thank you for your experience and wisdom,
Chris

I did find myself nodding vigorously at what you wrote regarding hiring. People are a crucial element, and are one of the most precious resources a startup can have. I left a much bigger and more established organization with all the perks imaginable to join the startup I work for because it was easy to notice that passion was (and is) the common denominator here. I haven’t looked back since. And yes, obviously, I’d rather hire someone like myself, who is into their work and into giving it their all because they are excited about their work, and it only bums me out to see people who are not as excited about theirs. Unfortunately, people who are dying to be hired can also make a great effort of putting on a show just in order to get hired initially. It’s those that should always be out the door in my opinion, and I don’t think it’s a too-harsh way to look at things if you’re out to make a profit and keep your startup afloat. So far we are lucky enough to all share that excitement, and I aspire to keep it that way.
Terrific post!

Randy Pausch’s talk entitled “Time Management”:

http://video.google.com/videop.....0335567758

The second most important thing about hiring is that if you DO hire the wrong person., get rid of them the SECOND you realize it… before the cancer (as you called it) spreads.

yeh.. i am all in for “zeal” and “being a warrior” and not going for “balance” when you are trying to “jumpstart” something..

ujw

- pk