I had the opposite takeaway. So many employees clamoring for leadership with such abysmal values is a sign the rot has spread. Not a pro-Uber PR piece.
Agreed. Before this I could arguably say that management was rotting away, but the rank and file should be excluded from judgment because they have no control.
But to hear this and read posts on social media lamenting the loss of Travis, and then contrasting it to the silence from Uber employees regarding Susan Fowler is stark and deafening.
If this is the type of people they select for, the ones who prioritize success by any means necessary, then Uber should maybe be a black mark.
Yikes, such unbelievably strong pre-conceived biases in your post. How about the alternate and more plausible scenario where Uber employees who arguably have the most clear understanding of the culture issues internally recognize the various dynamics at play – unlike a very black and white view you seem to be extrapolating from the outside?
> most clear understanding of the culture issues internally
Is it really clear internally? It's clear to me that they don't understand the issues otherwise it wouldn't have taken public furor for them to start fixing it
It should be in terms of what went wrong and needs to be fixed. You're right that they may have been blindsided to a large extent in this period of hyper-growth and wrongfully crossed certain lines numerous times. But the introspection and change usually does always come from a catastrophic event like Susan Fowler for example.
But an event(s) like these does not take away the need for a deep analysis. Travis not leaving but rather becoming more mature while at the same time keeping that same focus, intensity and dedication that got Uber where it is today is just as plausible -- and as is apparent -- the preferred approach for many Uber employees.
> otherwise it wouldn't have taken public furor for them to start fixing it
Have you ever stopped to consider that maybe the public furor is the result of an over-zealous media that likes to manufacture controversy because that's the most profitable modus operandi?
There are no lack of companies in tech and out of tech with the same problems.
Where's the public fury about those companies? That's right, there is none because the media doesn't make money writing about it. Heck, there was a UPS shooting in San Francisco like a week ago where I think four people died and the shooter was motivated by workplace grievances. Where was the public furor over culture at UPS and criticism of management at UPS? Again, there was none, because there is no money to be made.
“Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away.” ― Philip K. Dick
The world believes Uber has a worse culture than most other companies because the media falsely believes it does, and "it is difficult to get a man to understand something, when his salary depends upon his not understanding it!" ― Upton Sinclair
For the record, I'm not saying Uber doesn't have things to fix. I'm saying they have the same things to fix as pretty much everyone else. The difference between them and all other companies is that they are actually being raked over coals to fix those problems that exists industry-wide, if not worldwide. In 6 months to a year, I suspect they will be a better workplace than most as a result.
Couldn't agree more.
Let's not forget the kind of racial discrimination that exists in all industries, but tech. I speak as an asian immigrant, and i can't see myself working in any other industry, and hope to get to any senior role.
How many immigrants make it to the top tier of management in media companies? None. How many in UPS, banks, the government... you name it. None.
The only reason tech has to answer, is because there is money in tech. There are working class people, making a fortune in tech BY WORKING HARD. The media and the government doesn't like it.
My first thought, but it's an imperfect fit -- the employees were not being held hostage.
Is there a comparable 'syndrome' for cult members, who have joined an organization voluntarily? Not saying Uber employees deserve the same sympathy as victims of cults, just that it would be a more apt analogy.
It's pretty clear to me that having Travis involved in some capacity going forward is in the best interest of long-term shareholder value.
How could you not believe this? Founders and long-time CEO's have so much knowledge and company/industry specific experience -- much of which will be useful and some of which is undoubtedly not replaceable.
IMO, anyone who thinks this would not be a good move for the company is being blinded by hate.
Sure, we can debate whether his return is good for society but for the company? No question.
The real question is whether Travis wants to help in this capacity anymore.
So we should forget about whether its good for the world and just focus on shareholder value? And i suppose you will go on to justify it by citing benefits of more money for shareholders, better company, perfect economic systems and efficient services etc.
I think thats a horrible idea. The real question IS whether we should reward companies that get ahead by ANY means necessary and their leaders. We should not.
And lots of those who have already proclaimed #deleteuber and would never use their service again regardless, so why pander to their interests?
Much like the groups who rail against McDonald's and their so-called 'unhealthy' menu, who would never eat there and continue to trash talk their business even after getting their way.
Personally I just want a car to pick me up for a for a reasonable price. The internal politics is something I do not care about as with any company I do business with.
Nobody deserves to be shamed for their spending choices.
Obviously not interested in having hom back, especially considering how easy it was to vote yes. All it took was a click, something one does hundreds of times a day.
there is no surprise that there is a big group supporting TK, but that doesn't mean much at this stage.
founders set the culture in an organisation, and hire people that gel well with their views of the world / values. so it's a logical consequence that a big part of the workforce will support him. But that also might be the real problem for Uber's future...
> But that also might be the real problem for Uber's future...
Thats fair. But it's also possible that a company can succeed with values that don't match yours, the vocal minority, or even the majority. e.g. Comcast.
Arguably in some industries companies do better with values that arent the majority.
Margaret's beautiful message to Kalanick deserves to be posted here -
I'm angry, sad, flustered, confused, but mostly just heartbroken. The only appropriate thing to say right now is thank you, Travis. Thank you for inspiring not only your own employees but an entire generation of entrepreneurs. Thank you for inspiring us to think bigger, faster, and higher-impact than anyone has ever dared to think before.
Thank you for creating a place where no idea was too crazy. When we told you that in order to make the product accessible for our international riders we would need to accept cash payments, you weren't thrilled but you were willing to give it a shot. When your employees told you that we needed to change some aspects of the internal culture, you were sad but you were all ears. Building the best possible product, the best possible company- it requires humility. Admitting you might be wrong and being open to change. I was always impressed by how truly humble you were.
Thank you for creating a place so passionate about bringing affordable, reliable transportation to the whole world that your employees all over the globe were willing to hop on planes, get on Zoom calls at bizarre hours of the day, manually onboard thousands of drivers, stand on street corners handing out flyers to riders, and build last-minute stunt products to help celebrate the communities they were a part of. I've seen firsthand the impact this product has had worldwide and the universal fire and passion that Uber employees all over the world have to constantly improve it, to always be serving drivers and riders better, and to perpetually push closer and closer to truly making transportation as reliable as running water, for everyone, everywhere.
Thank you for creating a culture where- as a woman- it was okay to, no, encouraged to speak up. This is one of my oft less-told anecdotes, but I feel it's appropriate given the circumstances. Before Uber, I was at Facebook. I left Facebook because I was told that I was too aggressive. Pushing too hard, wanting to move too fast, challenging the status quo a bit too much. The amazing part is that coming to Uber was like a homecoming. I could be who I truly am, without being labeled an "aggressive" woman. I could push on assumptions, move quickly, do whatever work needed to be done whether it was "in my area" or not, question leadership in an open, earnest environment. It was like a breath of fresh air. I don't think people realize how unique this is. This company truly listens to every voice, from the VPs all the way down to the junior PMs like myself. Thank you. Thank you for listening and creating an environment where the best answer truly does win. And thank you on behalf of your riders and drivers. You've created millions of earning opportunities for drivers all over the world. From the part-time student teacher driver to the full-time driver in India, these are real economic opportunities at an unprecedented scale. I'm always amazed talking to drivers in India or Indonesia or Mexico or Kenya- their story is not too dissimilar from the drivers I talk to on my way home from work in SF. Uber has allowed them to build a better life for their family- to send their kids to school, to work more flexible hours so that they can be there for their family. Not to mention the newfound mobility that Uber affords millions upon millions worldwide. Elderly folks & teens can now access their city, stress-free. People can go out for a drink- or three- and get home safely without endangering those around them. Uber is fundamentally reshaping people's transportation habits and how they interact with their cities. This kind of impact would have been unthinkable only a few years ago, but we've made it a reality- thanks to your vision.
So thank you. We've mis-stepped at times- I'll be the first to admit that Uber is not perfect. But the positive impact you've had on this company, and the world, is truly inspirational.
Read the article. The employees who want Travis back are people who clicked into the letter/thread and read it. No positive assertion that those who read the letter actually endorse the position. Let's generously say half of the 1000 endorse it. That's 5% of the entire employee base. I'd be interested to see how many of the entire employee base expresses the viewpoint that they don't want him back.
Ultimately the CEO works for the board and not the employees. I hate to say it but the employees probably have little to no influence here, whether they're right or wrong.
26 comments
[ 2.9 ms ] story [ 52.9 ms ] threadBut to hear this and read posts on social media lamenting the loss of Travis, and then contrasting it to the silence from Uber employees regarding Susan Fowler is stark and deafening.
If this is the type of people they select for, the ones who prioritize success by any means necessary, then Uber should maybe be a black mark.
Is it really clear internally? It's clear to me that they don't understand the issues otherwise it wouldn't have taken public furor for them to start fixing it
But an event(s) like these does not take away the need for a deep analysis. Travis not leaving but rather becoming more mature while at the same time keeping that same focus, intensity and dedication that got Uber where it is today is just as plausible -- and as is apparent -- the preferred approach for many Uber employees.
Have you ever stopped to consider that maybe the public furor is the result of an over-zealous media that likes to manufacture controversy because that's the most profitable modus operandi?
There are no lack of companies in tech and out of tech with the same problems.
Where's the public fury about those companies? That's right, there is none because the media doesn't make money writing about it. Heck, there was a UPS shooting in San Francisco like a week ago where I think four people died and the shooter was motivated by workplace grievances. Where was the public furor over culture at UPS and criticism of management at UPS? Again, there was none, because there is no money to be made.
“Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away.” ― Philip K. Dick
The world believes Uber has a worse culture than most other companies because the media falsely believes it does, and "it is difficult to get a man to understand something, when his salary depends upon his not understanding it!" ― Upton Sinclair
For the record, I'm not saying Uber doesn't have things to fix. I'm saying they have the same things to fix as pretty much everyone else. The difference between them and all other companies is that they are actually being raked over coals to fix those problems that exists industry-wide, if not worldwide. In 6 months to a year, I suspect they will be a better workplace than most as a result.
How many immigrants make it to the top tier of management in media companies? None. How many in UPS, banks, the government... you name it. None.
The only reason tech has to answer, is because there is money in tech. There are working class people, making a fortune in tech BY WORKING HARD. The media and the government doesn't like it.
She highlights the nuances of Uber's culture and how it has both affected her positively and negatively.
Is there a comparable 'syndrome' for cult members, who have joined an organization voluntarily? Not saying Uber employees deserve the same sympathy as victims of cults, just that it would be a more apt analogy.
How could you not believe this? Founders and long-time CEO's have so much knowledge and company/industry specific experience -- much of which will be useful and some of which is undoubtedly not replaceable.
IMO, anyone who thinks this would not be a good move for the company is being blinded by hate.
Sure, we can debate whether his return is good for society but for the company? No question.
The real question is whether Travis wants to help in this capacity anymore.
I think thats a horrible idea. The real question IS whether we should reward companies that get ahead by ANY means necessary and their leaders. We should not.
Much like the groups who rail against McDonald's and their so-called 'unhealthy' menu, who would never eat there and continue to trash talk their business even after getting their way.
Personally I just want a car to pick me up for a for a reasonable price. The internal politics is something I do not care about as with any company I do business with.
Nobody deserves to be shamed for their spending choices.
It went way beyond internal politics and including some truely disgusting behaviour.
I wonder what the other 90% think.
there is no surprise that there is a big group supporting TK, but that doesn't mean much at this stage.
founders set the culture in an organisation, and hire people that gel well with their views of the world / values. so it's a logical consequence that a big part of the workforce will support him. But that also might be the real problem for Uber's future...
Thats fair. But it's also possible that a company can succeed with values that don't match yours, the vocal minority, or even the majority. e.g. Comcast.
Arguably in some industries companies do better with values that arent the majority.
I'm angry, sad, flustered, confused, but mostly just heartbroken. The only appropriate thing to say right now is thank you, Travis. Thank you for inspiring not only your own employees but an entire generation of entrepreneurs. Thank you for inspiring us to think bigger, faster, and higher-impact than anyone has ever dared to think before. Thank you for creating a place where no idea was too crazy. When we told you that in order to make the product accessible for our international riders we would need to accept cash payments, you weren't thrilled but you were willing to give it a shot. When your employees told you that we needed to change some aspects of the internal culture, you were sad but you were all ears. Building the best possible product, the best possible company- it requires humility. Admitting you might be wrong and being open to change. I was always impressed by how truly humble you were.
Thank you for creating a place so passionate about bringing affordable, reliable transportation to the whole world that your employees all over the globe were willing to hop on planes, get on Zoom calls at bizarre hours of the day, manually onboard thousands of drivers, stand on street corners handing out flyers to riders, and build last-minute stunt products to help celebrate the communities they were a part of. I've seen firsthand the impact this product has had worldwide and the universal fire and passion that Uber employees all over the world have to constantly improve it, to always be serving drivers and riders better, and to perpetually push closer and closer to truly making transportation as reliable as running water, for everyone, everywhere.
Thank you for creating a culture where- as a woman- it was okay to, no, encouraged to speak up. This is one of my oft less-told anecdotes, but I feel it's appropriate given the circumstances. Before Uber, I was at Facebook. I left Facebook because I was told that I was too aggressive. Pushing too hard, wanting to move too fast, challenging the status quo a bit too much. The amazing part is that coming to Uber was like a homecoming. I could be who I truly am, without being labeled an "aggressive" woman. I could push on assumptions, move quickly, do whatever work needed to be done whether it was "in my area" or not, question leadership in an open, earnest environment. It was like a breath of fresh air. I don't think people realize how unique this is. This company truly listens to every voice, from the VPs all the way down to the junior PMs like myself. Thank you. Thank you for listening and creating an environment where the best answer truly does win. And thank you on behalf of your riders and drivers. You've created millions of earning opportunities for drivers all over the world. From the part-time student teacher driver to the full-time driver in India, these are real economic opportunities at an unprecedented scale. I'm always amazed talking to drivers in India or Indonesia or Mexico or Kenya- their story is not too dissimilar from the drivers I talk to on my way home from work in SF. Uber has allowed them to build a better life for their family- to send their kids to school, to work more flexible hours so that they can be there for their family. Not to mention the newfound mobility that Uber affords millions upon millions worldwide. Elderly folks & teens can now access their city, stress-free. People can go out for a drink- or three- and get home safely without endangering those around them. Uber is fundamentally reshaping people's transportation habits and how they interact with their cities. This kind of impact would have been unthinkable only a few years ago, but we've made it a reality- thanks to your vision.
So thank you. We've mis-stepped at times- I'll be the first to admit that Uber is not perfect. But the positive impact you've had on this company, and the world, is truly inspirational.
Goodbyes alw...