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Sam Altman, renowned entrepreneur and investor, identifies the most common mistake even great founders commit: “The #1 mistake that great founders make is waiting too long to fire bad people.”
Altman explains that this lesson is rarely learned through advice; it’s usually learned through painful experience. “You’re just going to have to make the mistake and learn it,” he admits, but insists it’s universally the biggest pitfall leaders face.
Firing someone is always difficult—founders feel they made a hiring mistake, and now must make a decision that will seriously affect another person’s life. Many founders try to fix things by investing more time and effort into struggling employees. However, Altman warns that this only prolongs the problem. “You actually hurt the employee more by keeping them in the position for longer.”
His message is candid: move decisively when talent isn’t working out. Failing to act quickly hurts both the company and the individual involved.
