I read the English version of Elon Musk’s biography. I am not a tech-type of person, but I am really interested to know more about this Silicon Valley Deity. This book is a very comprehensive description for Elon Musk’s life, starting from his childhood background, his early years in South Africa, Canada, and then his legendary life in US. There are many angles to talk about this book, such as how to be a successful entrepreneur, how the technology will change our lives. But I am going to write about is what makes Elon Musk Elon Musk.
First, Elon Musk is a person with a grand purpose. I think this is a very rare and admirable quality in life. Most of the people in life are still concerned with daily and mundane desires such as fame and money. But Elon Musk not only has his dream, but also takes his dream far beyond earth— “Putting man on Mars” or “I would like to die on Mars”. For hundreds of years, the idea of colonizing Mars is more of a science fiction than a foreseeable future, yet here is a man that is able to combine his seemly impossible dream with commercial business to realize step by step tangible result — closer to Mars. Even if we take a step back that SpaceX could not make it to Mars in Elon Muck’s remaining years, SpaceX, cutting its price to ”at least one-tenth that of its rivals”, has already revolutionized the rocket industry. More and more institutions and government now have access to these low-cost rockets to explore the universe.
Second, Elon Musk is a person that endures great hardship and pressure. Behind the glamorous appearance of an iron man like a wonder, Elon Musk is indeed a man made of iron that could endure insurmountable obstacles. The first launch attempt of Falcon 1 failed, has left many employees shattered. What’s even worse? By the end of 2008, Musk had run out of money with his rocket mission unfulfilled. At this critical point, Musk stayed positive in front of his employees and also the public. “Look. We are going to do this. It’s going to be okay. Don’t freak out.” Musk said. His words are plain yet firm, instilling confidence amidst hopelessness and pessimism. Yet, he dealt with his pain by himself. According his wife Riley, Musk sometimes screamed in the night and felt physical pain. After all, Iron Man is not made of Iron, but he has to push himself to the limit, and draw strength from his inner faith.
Third, Elon Musk is a person that is “difficult” to work with. In the book, nobody would describe the experience to work for Mush as pleasant, but as pleasure-pain sadomasochistic. They will be fired for not living up to his high standard (He is a perfectionist himself). Even if you stay employed, Musk will work you until you reach your limit or drain yourself. Someone would say that he is a little bit detached and indifferent to other people’s feelings: whenever somebody complain that his/her work is impossible, he would just take over and deliver himself; He sets unreasonable deadline and expects his employees to work hard and make personal sacrifice, or at least as hard as himself; He fired Mary Beth Brown, a loyal personal assistant who has worked for him for decades in a heartbeat. It is very hard to judge his leadership style. I would say that caring people may not be his strength, but getting things done is.
Finally, What can we learn from reading a multibillionaire CEO’s biography as employees?
First, never say impossible. Do not jump to the conclusion that something is impossible too quickly. Try to attack the problem from other angles. If it seems to be mission impossible, try to come up with some alternatives as you can. Because saying impossible may be the easiest thing to do for you, but it turns out to be the biggest problem for your employer. If you could think a step further, that will really be appreciated or in Musk’s case, will keep your job safe.
Second, instill the sense of ownership. Instead of setting hard deadline as an order, try saying this “Can you do this by (time)?” If the answer is yes, then the ownership will be shifted from you to your subordinate.
Third, business is business, that’s it. Even if you have made huge contribution to your company, do not assume that your status is permanent. Be as value added as you used to. After all, business is business. You could be on the pedestal today, and be discarded to the garbage tomorrow. You friend or family might give you another chance or consider your position for old time’s sake. But do not set your expectation too high in the business world.
Fourth, work hard. There is no secret to success. Working hard probably won’t lead you to immediate success, but will open more doors and provide more opportunities as you step out of your comfort zone and work hard in the old-fashioned way.
What makes Elon Musk Elon Musk
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16有用 4无用 中信好书 2016-03-28
书名: 硅谷钢铁侠
作者: [美] 阿什利·万斯
出版社: 中信出版集团
原作名: Elon Musk
副标题: 埃隆·马斯克的冒险人生
译者: 周恒星
出版年: 2016-4
页数: 368
定价: 68.00元
装帧: 精装
ISBN: 9787508660455