Ten Commandments at Internshala
I am not sure when the right time for a start up is to worry about the work-culture it wants to build and the character it wants to be known for. Aren’t we supposed to be slogging it out 24*7 in first couple of years just to keep the ball rolling? Somehow, even before I started it, I have been thinking about Internshala to have a character like Tata’s and a culture like Google’s. In-fact the commandments below were the first things that went into founders’ agreement between Ankur and I. These are the guiding and founding principles of Internshala and I hope that in years to come whenever we face difficult choices, or are lost; these would serve as a guiding torch not only for the founders but for everyone who would ever work at Internshala.
1. Have Fun @ What You Do :– There is a reason this is number 1. Do only what you truly enjoy and have your heart’s buy in. Anything else which sounds like chores, will get done like chores!
2. Do The Right Thing :– Deep down you always know what is the right thing to do – and there is only one right thing. If still faced with Dilemma, toss a coin!
3. Take Your Chances :– One life! Live it for yourself – and not for neighbors and someone else. No matter what – you would never sleep hungry and will regret one less when you are old.
4. Stay Curious :– Never stop asking “why?” & “why not?” Innovation is 1% creativity and 99% curiosity!
5. Keep it Simple :– As simple as that. Life, as it is, is complicated enough – please don’t add!
6. People are Good :– Design to make it easy for 99% who are genuine and not to make it difficult for 1% who is not!
7. Count not $ Profit but Number of Happy Customers :– they are concurrent and not exclusive!
8. Laser Focus on Big Picture :– Learn to Say NO. Do one thing that really matters exceptionally well.
9. Get Dirty with Details :– A great vision is nothing but daily tasks list summed up over years.
10. People First, Profits Next :– when you started, you only had people; profits did come next!
I really hope that we stay true to these principles in time to come. Thank you for reading.
