Working For Elon Musk: Ex-Employees Reveal His Management Strategy | Wsj

The Muskian Mystique: Navigating Conversations with Elon

If you ever find yourself in the privileged position of engaging in a conversation with Elon Musk, buckle up for a whirlwind of brevity and intensity. Elon's communication style is a symphony of concise brilliance, where every word counts and every moment matters. Forget the leisurely chit-chat; it's about making your point in the blink of an eye, whether it's during the wee hours or a crack-of-dawn conference call.

Elon's Espresso-Fueled Meetings: Burstiness in Action

Picture this: a pre-meeting ritual involving a couple of espressos, swiftly consumed before diving into the depths of discussions. Elon's approach to meetings is a dance between burstiness and focus. The burst of caffeine mirrors the dynamic ebb and flow of ideas that characterize his management style. It's not about uniformity; it's about the rhythm of intensity that keeps the energy high and ideas flowing.

The Muskian Mission: Igniting Passion and Hardcore Devotion

For Elon Musk, rallying a team goes beyond mundane management strategies; it's about forging an unwavering commitment to a lofty mission. Whether it's revolutionizing the auto industry with Tesla or aiming for the stars with SpaceX, Musk crafts a narrative that transcends the ordinary. Former Tesla and SpaceX employees attest to the all-encompassing dedication, working 80 to 100 hours a week, sacrificing personal pursuits for the thrill of contributing to something monumental.

Hardcore Leadership: The Muskian Way at Twitter

Elon's entrance into the Twitter arena brings a new set of challenges. Unlike the interstellar ambitions of SpaceX or the electric dreams of Tesla, Twitter's mission revolves around protecting free speech. The question arises: can Elon infuse the same level of hardcore dedication into a cause that, while important, lacks the dramatic flair of interplanetary colonization? The stakes are different, and Musk faces the daunting task of reshaping Twitter's narrative while dealing with the aftermath of a massive workforce reduction.

In the relentless pursuit of his vision, Musk leads by example, from sleeping on office couches to investing millions of dollars. The Muskian mantra echoes through the corridors, urging employees to embrace a level of intensity that separates the best from the rest. Yet, as the Twitter saga unfolds, the challenge lies in convincing a diverse workforce to align with Team Elon, a task that proves to be messy and complex.

The Muskian Mosaic: Inspiration, Exhaustion, and Lean Machines

Elon Musk, a paradoxical blend of inspiration and exhaustion, demands excellence but not without controversy. Former employees recount tales of his inspiring leadership, coupled with an underlying sense of exhaustion and mercurial temperament. Misconduct allegations and swift company streamlining are part of Musk's legacy, creating an environment where only the best survive.

As Musk navigates Twitter's uncertain waters, parallels emerge with his earlier challenges at Tesla during the Great Recession. The Muskian playbook involves dismantling traditional corporate hierarchies, direct communication channels, and elevating financial stakes to propel employees into a realm of unprecedented innovation.

In the intricate dance of Musk's management magic, one thing remains clear: whether you're on board for Mars colonization or safeguarding free speech, Elon Musk's revolution demands more than just a job—it demands a commitment to the hardcore, the intense, and the extraordinary. As Musk shapes Twitter's destiny, the world watches, wondering if the Muskian magic will weave its spell once again.