Humans in Tech - Welcome Edition

Every Monday I share 1 unique idea, 1 exceptional human, and 1 intimate event in the Humans in Tech newsletter.

Do you want a sneak preview of the welcome newsletter that you get when you subscribe? Look no further...

The Idea

Let's begin with the idea that led to the Humans in Tech newsletter. That idea is what I call 'radical humanity'. This means putting the human in front of you above all else. Yes, even your company, firm, or short-term goals.?

It's about bringing an 'infinite game' (thanks Simon Sinek) mindset to how you deal with people.

Despite many claiming the contrary, business is personal. A company is just a piece of paper; the humans within it are what makes it real. It is the humans that change the world, not the piece of paper.

The relationships we have today will almost definitely outlast the specific role or company we're in at the present moment.?

And so, every time you're dealing with another human, you have a decision to make: do you see this interaction as a transaction to achieve some short-term goal, or as a step on the path to building that long-term relationship?

How will the people you meet today think about you, when they look back in a few years' time? Do they see someone who was trying to "get something out of them", or someone who "only had their best interests at heart"?

Radical humanity is believing that the right thing for the long-term, is the right thing for the short-term. Put the human first. It will pay dividends in ways you can never imagine.

Practical Application

Perhaps you have an employee who's quite exceptional. You're pre-fundraise and can only afford to pay them half of what they're worth. They get an offer to work for a great company, at a great salary. They trust you, and so they talk to you about it. They tell you they're turning it down because they want to stay.?

How do you react? How do you manage that conversation? Clearly it's better for you to keep the employee, but the company is still in a risky position. What if you never raise?

Putting the human first means being genuinely happy for your employee, discussing the opportunity with them, and being very clear about the risks of staying at the company. It might even mean pushing them to take the offer.?

Your communication needs to show that you want what's best for them, not what's best for the company.?

The employee may or may not take the offer, but the important part is that they will look back on that interaction and remember?how you made them feel.?

I guarantee you, just one interaction like the above, and they will see you as someone who has their back. Because you do.?

And it's not just employees...

When fundraising, don't focus too much on this round, or even this company. Get to know the investor as a human. Build a relationship that will extend past your immediate goals.

When meeting someone new, get to know them for who they are as a person, not what they do. When working in an office space, or even in your apartment building, get to know the receptionists and other support staff.

Take a moment to appreciate the humans around you for who they are. Their dreams. Their imperfections. Their stories.

Your network is your net worth. Not because having a good network makes you more money (although that may be the case), but because having a good network will lead to a happier life. That, I promise you.

Put the human first.

I hope you've enjoyed this welcome issue of Humans in Tech, and are looking forward to the next issue on Monday. I'll share another idea, feature an incredible human, and tell you about an intimate event you won't want to miss.?

My ethos is all about genuine connection and radical humanity. In a world moving ever towards AGI, I hope to continue focusing on the ideas, people, and relationships that are behind positive change in the world.

Love, Haz x

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