The Art of Avoiding an Asshole [Cofounder] - Guy Kawasaki

11. To avoid an asshole boss (co-founder) try not being an asshole yourself!

12. To avoid an asshole boss (co-founder) try not to look for reasons he could be an asshole.

Slightly tongue-in-cheek, but seriously, most disagreements are the result of poor communication, not because one person is the villain, and one, the victim-that one person is right and one is wrong. Furthermore, 90% of our communication is done with our body. If we are suspicious and judgemental of new people, they will read this in how we move and posture, and respond in kind, resulting in the precise situation we are trying to avoid.

This doesn't mean to ignore warning signs, but to focus primarily on whether this person is willing to collaborate and compromise with you as you work towards your goals. I find a recommendation from someone I don't know (Linkedin) to not be particularly helpful as I don't know this person's point of reference. Perhaps this person is always looking for assholes.

In the comment section, Shefaly makes a good point about trying to observe the guy in social situations (i.e., not a formal interview or business meeting).

I recommend visiting a restaurant and observing how he treats the waitstaff. If he's rude or abusive to the waiter, how do you think he's going to treat you when you're his employee or partner?

This post is actually about a 'boss', but it fits very well when considering a cofounder.

The numbered points at the bottom are the best ;)

Have people lost the ability to write without using profanity ? I thought the guy who wrote up one of the best speeches that I recollect reading would have better sense.. Mr.Guy, quit being a potty mouth.

Looks more like an Asshole tracker squad :D hey, it could be another idea to start this company by collecting Asshole profiles and showing up on request :D

there is no need to read Guy's article to give it a point here ... specially if you are half Scotsman :)