The Hard Thing About Hard Things
Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers
Author
The Hard Thing About Hard Things
Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers
$16.17
- Improve your ability to make tough decisions under pressure.
- Insights on handling setbacks and failures, helping you develop a stronger mindset to face adversity.
- The book offers a candid view of the challenges of running a business, preparing you for the realities of leadership.
- Techniques for fostering open communication within your teams.
“The most valuable book on startup management hands down”
— PandoDaily
“The Hard Thing About Hard Things” is a brutally honest and practical guide to building and running a startup. Ben Horowitz, a successful tech entrepreneur and co-founder of the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, shares his experiences and lessons learned from his time as CEO of Opsware.
This book stands out from typical business advice by focusing on the most challenging aspects of leadership – the “hard things” that no one talks about.
Horowitz provides insights into:
• Managing your own psychology and emotions as a leader
• Making difficult decisions when there are no good options
• Effectively hiring, firing, and managing people
• Building and maintaining a strong company culture
• Navigating complex business relationships and negotiations
Readers will learn:
• How to handle layoffs and maintain team morale
• Strategies for scaling a company from startup to established business
• Techniques for managing crises and avoiding company failure
• The importance of clear communication and transparency
• How to balance long-term vision with short-term needsThe book is filled with personal anecdotes, practical advice, and even hip-hop lyrics, making it an engaging and informative read. Horowitz’s writing style is direct and conversational, making complex business concepts accessible to a wide audience.
“The Hard Thing About Hard Things” is an essential resource for anyone navigating the complexities of leadership and business management. It provides a unique and valuable perspective on the challenges of building and running a successful company, offering practical solutions to problems that aren’t covered in business school.
Year Published
Publisher
Pages
Weight
Language
ISBN 10
ISBN 13
The book: "The Hard Thing About Hard Things" Is perfect for:
• Entrepreneurs and startup founders
• CEOs and business leaders
• Aspiring managers and executives
• Anyone interested in the realities of running a business
More books by Ben Horowitz
Meet the author
Author biography
Ben Horowitz is a distinguished technology entrepreneur, investor, and author renowned for his business culture and start-up management expertise. He holds a BA in Computer Science from Columbia University and an MS in Computer Science from UCLA, establishing a strong academic foundation in the tech field. Horowitz co-founded the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz with Marc Andreessen, which has become a powerhouse in Silicon Valley, investing in high-profile companies like Facebook, Airbnb, and Slack.
Horowitz’s career began as an engineer at Silicon Graphics, followed by a significant role as a product manager at Netscape. He later co-founded Loudcloud, which transformed into Opsware, an enterprise software company acquired by Hewlett-Packard for $1.6 billion in 2007. This successful exit solidified his reputation as a savvy entrepreneur and business leader.
Inspired by his extensive experience in building and managing companies, Horowitz authored The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers and What You Do Is Who You Are: How to Create Your Business Culture. These works provide practical insights into the challenges of entrepreneurship and the importance of company culture, drawing from his personal journey and professional triumphs.
Horowitz resides in Atherton, California, with his wife, Felicia Wiley Horowitz, and their three children. His candid writing style and deep understanding of the tech industry make his books valuable resources for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders.
Book testimonials
“There is more than enough substance in Mr. Horowitz’s impressive tome to turn it into a leadership classic.”
— The Economist
“This is easily one of the essential books every business leader should read if they’re looking for proven and honest management advice.”
— Entrepreneur’s 25 Amazing Business Books from 2014
“More than any other business book released this year, “Hard Things” gives an insider’s perspective on what it’s like to lead and scale a startup.”
— Business Insider’s Best Business Books of 2014
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