He’s the leader of the pack, you know him well, and Dara’s finally back to kick some tail. It’s been eerily quiet on the Uber front since Dara Khosrowshahi took over as CEO, but yesterday he posted his first official public address on how he plans to detox the company’s cutthroat culture.
As Dara K. puts it, Uber’s mantra of “toe-stepping,” which was intended to empower people to voice their opinion regardless of their position or seniority, was used instead “as an excuse for being an a**hole.”
So, after speaking with the people (Uber employees) here’s what Uber’s new leaf looks like:
Uber’s “new normal”
In lieu of “toe-stepping,” DK’s encouraging people to “value ideas over hierarchy” through “candid debate,” and “act like owners” who are accountable for their mistakes.
The company will also take a new-found interest in the goings-on outside of their corporate bubble, by “deeply connecting” with the communities they serve, and “working tirelessly” to (re)gain customers’ trust.
And finally, Dara laid down his ultimatum: “We do the right thing. Period.” Period.
Can he do it?
His vest says “hell yeah.” With Uber embroiled in board drama and high profile lawsuits, Dara’s got plenty on his plate. But, at least from the outside, he’s got his game face on. And, for the sake of Uber’s non-a**hole employees, we’re rooting for him.
Watch out Bezos, there’s a new tech exec in town, and he’s got way better facial hair.