Pros
When David Mausolf and I (Dave Riggs) started Apex Growth, we spent many late nights talking about our vision for the company we wanted to build. One thing we 100% agreed on? Not recreating toxic past work environments. So we used our worst experiences as a roadmap to our core values. 4 non-negotiable values we landed on: 1️⃣ Transparency ❌ I’ve had bosses who refused to explain their decision-making processes. Which meant I didn’t trust them or feel trusted. ✅ Even if it doesn’t directly impact somebody’s job, we try to communicate the company’s strategic direction to everybody. 2️⃣ Vulnerability ❌ I had a macho boss who wouldn’t be accountable for mistakes. ✅ David and I are honest with the team when we mess things up. It happens. It doesn’t always feel great, but sharing the losses *and* the wins creates a safe environment for growth. 3️⃣ Respecting Work/Life Balance ❌ I’ve had bosses who thought I should be available 24/7. David slept under his desk during some late nights at Lyft. Not great for mental health. ✅ We don’t Slack or email people on nights or weekends asking them for urgent things. People shouldn’t feel like they need to resolve something before going to bed or wake up anxious. 4️⃣Positivity A few rules: - Always give feedback in private - Frame that feedback respectfully and supportively - Never yell (if you do that… what is wrong with you? Stop.) Ruling with an iron fist won’t get the best out of your team. Treating people with respect and dignity will. And I can’t believe I’m saying this, but – Thanks to all my former bad bosses. You showed me how to be better.
Cons
I hope we can meet up more in person!