Dear Travis Kalanick: Don’t quit. Unless you didn’t want the job in the first place or you took it for the wrong reasons, don’t quit. I understand a bit about your announcement yesterday to step down from President Trump’s Economic Advisory Council after Uber received such considerable pressure. I, too, have been bullied as a CEO. And I am incredibly disappointed at the public backlash you and Uber received. It represents largely misinformed and misplaced anger aimed at an easy, accessible target. Uber became the unwitting poster child for the “Let Your Voices Be Heard” movement fueled by frustrated masses whose voices are not otherwise being heard.
But, I have to ask: Why did you initially accept the Council position? What was your goal?
I am not asking as justification to judge you. I am hoping instead to understand your decision to cow-tow to public pressure and relinquish your seat at the table. “Why do you want the job?” is a question I ask every new manager prior to a promotion. So, I ask you. Help us understand your motives in accepting this role in the first place. Why did you want it?
For most managers and rising leaders, saying “yes” to a new post is explained by justifiable motivators: It might be greed; ego, the desire for respect and status; to contribute more meaningfully to their employer or the world around them; or to grow and develop subordinates. For some, heeding the call may be motivated by money; fame; notoriety; or the belief it is their duty or the natural next step, motivates them. I tell emerging managers that any answer is fine, but that understanding what motivates their desire for promotion will help me with my decision and their growth plan.
Between us, Travis, I won’t promote someone who has zero true interest in developing people. But this is more a product of my many mistakes than some sort of brilliant theorization. Management and leadership are hard work. Sure, they may lead to recognition, status and respect. But all managers and leaders have experienced time and again that we can’t cultivate leaders without an underlying desire to grow and develop others. It is too unrewarding. And unfortunately, when we learn this too late, the unintended victims are our poorly managed employees. They didn’t ask for a manager who wasn’t there for the right reasons.
So, Travis, why did you initially want to be on the Council?
Some might guess you thought the post sounded prestigious and would bring you and Uber great publicity. Free marketing with lavish Washington wining and dining couldn’t be all bad! It’s arguably kind of cool. I mean, whose mom doesn’t want to brag that her son is advising the Most Powerful Man in the World? And – damn it, Travis if that is why you accepted the role, I not only applaud you, but I admire your stepping down. You are already insanely powerful, and prestigious. You don’t need to put up with the bullshit of dealing with a President whose political policies you have yet to publicly support. You are not lacking in prestige, status, fame or fortune. So if those are what motivated you to accept the job, stepping down bolsters your credibility and notoriety.
But if you joined the Council because you honestly wanted to be heard – to make a difference for the business and technology community, to help shape policies that would benefit the Valley, California, Uber drivers, and the Country – then, damn it! Why did you step down? I am angry you let them bully you. I am angry you could not articulate your need to retain your direct line to Trump’s policy-making machine in a way that your customers, employees, drivers and naysayers would have understood. I am angry with the bullies. But ultimately, I am disappointed that you allowed yourself to fall to pressure, that you didn’t stand taller and more resolute.
I hope one day we learn that you were only on board initially for the fame and quit when it was not worth it. Because as lame as that is, anyone facing such intense negativity with no compelling personal reason to stand strong would crumble just like you did. I hope I don’t learn that you initially agreed to take part in the Council because you believed you could contribute to the conversation and safeguard the interests of others who share your values. If so, it is truly disheartening that you allowed yourself to succumb to misplaced bullying and public outcry.
Respectfully,
Marilyn