The Asterisk Rule
Every CEO directive has an implicit asterisk: do it, as long as it still makes sense to you.
As founders succeed, junior team members increasingly treat every directive as inviolable — 'I cannot challenge this person's statement because they are the boss.' The fix is an explicit, repeated cultural artifact: whenever the CEO says 'do X,' there's an asterisk meaning 'as long as it still makes sense in context.' The front-line operator has more information than the office. New hires get the rule explained on day one — fresh eyes are an asset, not an inconvenience.
- Empower judgment at the front line — they see what HQ can't.
- Make the permission to push back explicit, not implicit.
- Onboard new hires with the asterisk rule — fresh perspective is the value-add.
Tool Lubetzky developed at KIND to fight the natural authority-creep that comes with founder success.
Source · VIDEO
Daniel Lubetzky on School of Hard Knocks (full episode)