Your First 10 Hires Define the Company
The first 10 people set the bar, the pace, and the unwritten rules forever. You will not 're-culture' your way out of bad early hires.
#hiring
Every later hire is evaluated , consciously or not , against the first 10. They become the proof of what is normal and what gets tolerated.
What to optimize for in the first 10
- Range over depth , they will do 4 jobs, not one.
- High agency , they create plans instead of waiting for them.
- Low ego , they will be wrong publicly and often.
- Direct communication , they tell you bad news fast.
- Owner mentality , they care about company outcomes, not just their function.
What to refuse, even if they're talented
- Politicians , people who manage up but don't ship.
- Title chasers , they care more about being the VP than the work.
- People who need a fully formed role to operate.
- Anyone whose 'why' is the salary and the equity.
An A-player early hire raises the bar of every hire after them. A B-player early hire ensures you'll never hire an A-player again.