A Masterclass on Leadership

You can read the article also on my blog: https://bloggershiv.com/a-masterclass-on-leadership/

What an empathizing letter Brian Chesky wrote to his employees last week. For sure he fired 1900 people of a total strength of 7500 but the letter he wrote to hist staff is Detailed, Sympathizing, Concrete, No Bull-shit, Thought-through, forward looking, gut-wrenching and completely empathetic towards those 25% of his people he had to let go. It is a master piece because of the way some of the things are being done at Airbnb.

We all know that the travel and hospitality industry is the worst hit in this pandemic and will take a long time to recover. In the midst of this madness, this letter actually becomes inspirational and a masterclass to handle separation / furlough at these times.

Some of the highlights from his letter to employees:

1. Each time we’ve talked, I’ve shared good news and bad news, but today I have to share some very sad news. – Comes straight to the point. There is no dilly dallying or sugar coating.
2. I am going to share as many details as I can on how I arrived at this decision. – He shares complete details on the entire process which was thought through. This leads to transparency with those who are leaving but more importantly transparency with those who are going to stay on.
3. We don’t know exactly when travel will return. When travel does return, it will look different. – Not trying to become a “I know it all”. Accepts that they do not have a clear picture of the future.
4. While we know Airbnb’s business will fully recover, the changes it will undergo are not temporary or short-lived. Because of this, we need to make more fundamental changes to Airbnb by reducing the size of our workforce around a more focused business strategy. – Clearly shows he has the foresight that Airbnb’s business model and strategy are going to change forever and they will need to make some changes at the base model.
5. When we started Airbnb, it was about belonging and connection. This crisis has sharpened our focus to get back to our roots, back to the basics, back to what is truly special about Airbnb – He talks about going back to basics. In a crisis like this, most businesses will need to do the same.
6. These decisions are not a reflection of the work from people on these teams - Clearly states that people are not be blamed. He goes on to explain that some business activities will not continue as is and will need a re-look.
7. It was important that we had a clear set of principles, guided by our core values, for how we would approach reductions in our workforce – He talks about guided principles which helped them evaluate how they approached reductions and then went on to explain the same.
8. Process for making reductions – In this section he explains the entire process in detail including severance packages being offered. Compared to what other companies are doing at this moment, the packages seem to be extremely fair and thought-through. They are making all departing employees shareholders by giving them the equity vested so far with them. Additionally, providing one-year health cover to all those being separated.
9. Our goal is to connect our teammates leaving Airbnb with new job opportunities. – Airbnb is actually launching website (made in-house) to help separated employees get new jobs. They are allowing workers to upload their work pieces and profiles and letting the world know what good work these guys have done. Beyond this they have also offered external career services for a period of 4 months.
10. Laptops — A computer is an important tool to find new work, so we are allowing everyone leaving to keep their Apple laptops. – This point shows to the extent which this guy has thought about separation. He probably knows that he shouldn’t take away one tool which most of his employees need to look for another job.
11. Here is what will happen next – After defining all of the above, in this section he clearly lays down timelines and country specific actions. Also entails how the communication will happen and what are they suppose to do. Crystal Clear!
12. I’ve asked all Airbnb leaders to wait to bring their teams together until the end of this week out of respect to our teammates being impacted.  – Shows respect and humility along with patience in this fast-paced world. Shows immense maturity and dignity of labor.
13. As I have learned these past eight weeks, a crisis brings you clarity about what is truly important. – Shows courage and ability to plan ahead. Adversity brings out the true leader in people!
14. To those leaving Airbnb, I am truly sorry. Please know this is not your fault. The world will never stop seeking the qualities and talents that you brought to Airbnb. – Shows empathy, humility. It also shows that in times like these you should not blame your people. You are who you are because of your team.

Keep humility. Show Empathy. Be calm and composed. These are terrible times and we all need to navigate these times with all these qualities in our stride.

This is a letter full of richness. The choice of words, the emotions it portrays is gut-wrenching. At the same time, it portrays clarity of thought and action with a purpose. The path shown to all the leaders in the world is exemplary. It truly is an example of Leadership.

You can read the entire letter here.