|#551 MWAVC| — “TRUTH” ABOUT TRUST 👐🏾
Hi,
Welcome (back) to MWAVC for my 551st post on finance, investing, venture capital and all that jazz. My name is Ato (more about me here and here) and I tried to write every single day, inspired by Seth Godin (Seth’s Blog) and Fred Wilson (AVC) but the schedule got crazier and I had to pull back a bit. So please set a reminder to read these newsletters on Mondays, Wednedsays, Fridays and Sundays 😬
In case you’re new here, quick introduction: I’ve been investing in some way shape or form for the last 12+ years and now work with one of the pre-eminent VC firms in Africa - Microtraction, and the family office that acts as the GP - Pave Investments. Read more on us here and here. Much of the writing I’ll share here are based on things I find interesting that I’d like to share and hear your thoughts on. This is also an outlet for my thoughts, lessons, asks etc. and I think you’d find most of it valuable if you’re remotely interested in learning about venture capital.
I’ll be developing the content further, including things I think will be helpful and would appreciate any feedback on what’s working vs. not, and what could be helpful for you over the long term. If you’d like to sign up, you can do so here. Or just read on.
Some smart founders picked my email above and decided to add me to their investor updates. I suggest you do too 😉
“TRUTH” ABOUT TRUST
Picked this up from one of my older friend’s LinkedIns. Tom Vernon is probably one of the most meticulous people I know. It frankly didn’t surprise me that he has copious notes on football plans, strategy and thought pieces. He’s a master at his craft and I really can’t wait to learn so much more from him. Enjoy.
I was sorting through all my decades of notes on football yesterday. There was nothing more important for success, leadership and happiness that I re-read than the below. (It’s a skill I have far from mastered!)
MY “TRUTH” ABOUT TRUST: Freely translated from Niklas Luhmann “vertrauen, 1968”
In a complex game like football, you need the concept of trust if you want to develop a complex playing style. The trust is instrumental in reducing the complexity of the game.
“If I distrust my teammate, I am open, so to speak, to all the game's (situation's) full complexity of possible outcomes; if I have confidence, on the other hand, an external uncertainty is replaced by an internal security”
Trust is a decision, ie. a performance of will that reflects certainty is not guaranteed. I decide to have faith knowing that it can go wrong.
Trust must be learned and constantly nurtured.
Trust is something you bestow on another person.
Distrust spreads when something is unclear and chaos ensues.
Mistrust is psychologically taxing; one must be constantly on guard, and therefore trust is psychologically easier than distrust.
Trust is positively contagious and develops mutual trust.
Currently Reading 🎒
Need to finish The Hard Things About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz. On my TDL for this weekend, definitely.
Currently Listening 🎧
The All-in boys are back with a brand new episode. Started it this morning and it’s great stuff as per usual with sprinkles of controversial topics. Check it out here.
I hope this is helpful to some founders out there. I’m happy to speak more on this with anyone looking to build a company and wants feedback. Finalized my decision to bring my Office Hours back for founders to book 30 minutes to tell me about themselves, their businesses and ask for feedback. Thanks to everyone who voted. It looks like it’s a big YES. Will share more soon.
Remember: “Until the lion learns to write, every story will glorify the hunter.”
Please share and subscribe as well.
Till next time,
AB