Practice decisions with consequence through video games
Being a startup CEO is difficult and new for everyone. A regular routine for learning builds capability over time. I asked some Main Sequence CEOs what they do and received some valuable and generous responses that they have agreed I can share.
Elliot Smith — CEO of Maxwell Plus
Maxwell Plus is a full stack digital clinic that catches prostate cancer early in men using artificial intelligence. Elliot co-founded Maxwell Plus in 2017 and began his first tour as a CEO. Here’s how he builds his capability.
#1 — Read
Mostly books. Try to learn lessons from other people as much as possible, especially the common ones. That means more time focused on learning the lessons unique to the business. “High output management” is good, as is “The great CEO within” despite the corny title.
#2 — Reflect but don’t dwell
I have a running list of decisions I have made that I would do differently given my time again. I work out why I made them at the time, try learn from that and then get back to work.
#3 — Have a sounding board
CEO / Founder is lonely solo, plus it lets you find your top right quadrant Johari and Nohari traits very similar to that great Main Sequence user guide template.
#4 — Normalise
Related but talk to other CEOs/Founders. Almost entirely to realise that everyone is battling one way or another. There are no super humans and it is okay to feel lost sometimes.
#5 — Stay healthy
Eat well, sleep well, exercise daily. otherwise I hit diminishing output (and mood) quickly.
#6 — Play video games
Another one which I am fairly sure is true but can’t confirm completely is playing video games. It’s a nice decompression after a big day but I also favour games that are heavy on making a lot of quick choices that have long term consequences (Civilisation V for example). Might be a personal oddity but I feel like its a good way to get reps in around deciding under uncertainty.
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