Problem: There are only two types of employees. Those that pick the red pill, commit to the business and put their passion into what they’re doing, and those that pick the blue pill and only work to get their monthly salary.

So, why you shouldn’t keep everyone? Simple. Not everyone understands your extreme kick-ass vision about the business, not everyone is willing to work weekends and spend nights finding solutions to problems. And you know what? If they’re not willing to commit to the business, their work isn’t gonna be outstanding. They won’t build kick-ass products, because they don’t care. Why should you?

Solutions:

1. Share your vision and strategy.
Do it as often as you can. Then observe and evaluate. Do they follow the strategy? Do they embrace the vision? If they do, it’s all great dude. If they don’t, you might consider finding someone else!

2. Do they think they’re rock-stars?
So, you’ve almost finished that kick-ass product and everybody is happy. But, the testing / debugging process begins. If your employees try to get out of it, saying that they could do something more productive with their time? Well, it’s time for some changes. Just tell the HR chick you need other ppl. No problemo, move on!

You don’t need rock-stars. You need people that are commited to the business. That’s it!

3. Make a test
Here’s a test that will give you a really great view about each and every one of your employees: pay the salaries with a few days delay. Not more than 2 or 3. Tell them your cashflow is down and that you’re gonna pay in a few days, not to worry.

The ones that will come to you and say “hey, dude! I work for money! If you want loyalty get a dog” are not commited to the business, they don’t value your strategy, don’t give a *&*#& about your vision and they don’t deserve to work for you!

4. Do you have similar values / interests / ways of thinking?
People flourish when working with people that share their values and interests. It helps them communicate. It helps them grow. It helps them kick serious booty.

Strategy, vision and values. That’s it.