Key Takeaways
- Hiring employees with a combination of humility, optimism, and paranoia can foster a productive and resilient work environment.
- In leadership, it’s crucial to encourage a growth mindset through humility and foster motivation and focus through optimism, while maintaining a level of vigilance through paranoia.
- Seeking inspiration from role models like George Bell and learning from his favorite business book, gadgets, and quotes can provide valuable insights for personal and professional development.
Imagine a world where your employees are paranoid, optimistic, and humble. Would that be a good thing or a bad thing? According to George Bell, former CEO of Excite@Home and UPromise, and current partner at General Catalyst, it’s a very good thing.
In a recent interview, Bell shared his thoughts on what he looks for in employees. He said that he values humility because it allows people to learn from their mistakes and grow. He values optimism because it helps people stay motivated and focused on their goals. And he values paranoia because it keeps people on their toes and aware of potential risks.
Bell’s Favorite Business Book
When asked about his favorite business book, Bell didn’t hesitate to name “Undaunted Courage” by Stephen Ambrose. This book tells the story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and Bell says that he is inspired by the team’s perseverance and courage in the face of adversity.
Bell’s Favorite Gadgets and Tools
Bell is a big fan of technology, and he has a few favorite gadgets and tools that he uses on a daily basis. His favorite device is his corkscrew, which he says is essential for opening bottles of wine. His favorite software application is Xobni, which helps him manage his email. And his favorite blog is PaidContent, which covers the latest news in the media industry.
Bell’s Inspiration
Bell says that the person who inspires him the most is his wife. He says that she is a strong, intelligent, and compassionate person, and he is grateful for her support.
Bonus: Bell also shared a few of his favorite quotes:
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
“Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.” – Will Rogers
Bell is a successful businessman and a thoughtful leader. His insights on what he looks for in employees are valuable for anyone who wants to build a successful team.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is George Bell’s favorite business book?
Bell’s favorite business book is “Undaunted Courage” by Stephen Ambrose.
What is Bell’s favorite device?
Bell’s favorite device is his corkscrew.
Who inspires Bell the most?
Bell is most inspired by his wife.
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