Elon Musk, the owner of Twitter (now called X), is known for his unconventional leadership style. His biography by Walter Isaacson, released on September 12, offers insights into Musk’s demanding approach as a manager and his initial reluctance to be a CEO.
During his tenure at Zip2, a company he co-founded with his brother in 1995, Musk exhibited a relentless work ethic. He worked tirelessly, day and night, without breaks, and expected the same dedication from his team. Isaacson’s book reveals that Musk would even rewrite engineers’ code after they had left for the day, demonstrating his unyielding commitment to achieving results, even if it didn’t necessarily endear him to his team.
Musk’s attitude toward leadership and teamwork is encapsulated in his statement during a SpaceX executive session years after Zip2’s launch: “It is not your job to make people on your team love you.”
Interestingly, the book also sheds light on Musk’s initial reluctance to be a CEO. He expressed a preference for focusing on building products rather than holding the CEO title. However, he soon realized that to have true control over technology and product development, he needed to assume the role of CEO.
Zip2 was Musk’s first venture, aimed at creating an online business directory similar to the yellow pages, complete with maps and online advertising capabilities. The book also delves into Musk’s tumultuous relationship with his brother Kimbal, including physical fights they would engage in while working together at Zip2. Their clashes were often observed by other employees due to the absence of closed offices in the office space. Kimbal, while expressing deep affection for his brother, also admitted that working with Elon was challenging.
Musk’s leadership style, as revealed in the biography, showcases his unwavering commitment to achieving his goals, even if it meant rewriting code or taking on the CEO role, despite his initial reservations.