Remote vs. in-person: I picked a side

A few weeks ago, I had my best couple "business" days of the year. The reason was simple:

ALL OF THE GATEWAY X FAMILY CAME TO ST. LOUIS AND HUNG OUT. 

There was problem-solving, Christmas parties and just quick walks and coffees. I came home and told my wife I forgot how much I enjoyed that, since I haven't had it since my Ampush days in San Francisco!

Now, if you read this email regularly, you know that this has been a year of reflection, and that I'm in the process of figuring out "what's next.”

I think it’s important every four to five years to really step back and ask yourself if you enjoy what you're doing and what you want to change. 

Inertia is VERY normal for humans and businesses and… very dangerous. We keep doing the same thing just because it’s what we’ve always done.

So, I've stepped back, considered a ton of options and I'm excited to announce: I PICKED ONE!

But, I'm going to leave you in suspense until early next year (though I'm VERY excited to share it).

Instead, today I want to talk about a debate that's raged on since Covid started… Will the companies of the future be IN PERSON or DISTRIBUTED? Which one is better? Why?

There was this recent Keith Rabois video that went around Twitter where he says Founders Fund believes that it’s critical to build in person because it’s important to develop talent.

Before I share my POV, pause and ask yourself: What do you think? And, more importantly, what do you prefer?

And for context, the companies we've started at Gateway X (e.g., GrowthAssistant, Aux Insights) are mostly distributed focusing on the best talent and getting everyone together once a quarter-ish. (Although, notably, Adriane and Kasey are in St. Louis.)

But for the new thing I'm working on… the answer was clear: 

I want it IN PERSON, in St. Louis.

And if you're hoping for an empirical, data-driven thesis on why it’s so much better, I'm sorry to disappoint. If I had to guess, there's compelling data on both sides.

My preference is driven by something much more basic: I ENJOY IN PERSON MUCH BETTER.

Some people mistakenly think of introverts and extroverts as "doesn't like people versus likes people." This isn't correct. Extroverts GET ENERGY from being around others, and introverts get their energy from themselves/being alone.

I'm a big E. I like talking to people. I like seeing people work. When everyone was in town, a quick smile, hug or high five brought my energy up to tackle the next problem.

Contrast that with the norm: half-empty office, no buzzing and my arch nemesis: Zoom meetings. I've likened Zoom to porn: it makes you think you're getting the real thing, but then leaves you empty. 

After all, even though you can see a person and talk to them over Zoom, you're still sitting in a room by yourself.

My energy comes from being in person, with people.

Now, mind you… I'm pretty scheduled. But when I have 30 minutes between meetings, I can walk by five people’s desks and have a quick chat, share an appreciation or just ask about their family.

Sure, I could do that by calling, texting and Slacking (and, ask my team, I DO!) but it’s not the same.

One of my favorite things is a brainstorm where we go, “Hey, let's jump in a conference room for 15 minutes and white-board it.”

Nearly impossible because of the Zoom friction and scheduling.

The serendipity of a quick brainstorm. An idea that can get workshopped. I just find it more natural and enjoyable live and in person.

Some people process via sitting. Some via writing. Some via talking and volleying. I'm the last type.

The quality and quantity of my thinking goes up 10x when I'm able to say things out loud and sort out what's real or not. 

Or "try something on" from a content, pricing or idea perspective.

See number 2: it’s hard to do this when no one is around. It feels kind of asinine to ask someone to get on a Zoom so you can hear yourself talk. 

But I sorta need that to think and figure out what to do. In person, it’s a totally natural thing. Remote, it’s not.

Call me old-fashioned. A quick bite or coffee walk. Grabbing dinner with our spouses. Work to me is a social thing where you connect with people and build trust. 

Here's a crazy stat: I've never met Andrew's wife! That's crazy!! If we were in person, 0% chance that's the case. And it bothers me that I haven't done it. 

But the remote aspect of building leads to those kinds of funny nuances. I'm not a fan.

Let's face it — NO ONE wants to have a difficult conversation. On some level, everyone avoids them. It's WAY easier to do so when you don't have to see the person the next day in the office. 

The flip is true, too: when you see someone every day, they become human. Giving or receiving feedback isn’t as difficult or daunting.

In fact, most difficult conversations (in-person) leave me with more trust and connection than before. Phone calls or Zooms or (ugh) texts lead to disaster.

So, should you be distributed or in person? There’s no right answer — the choice is yours. 

37signals guys are super smart and successful and have done it extremely well. Others live and die being in person.

My advice: KNOW yourself first. What do you like? What will allow you to do great work? Trust it, and intentionally invest in it.

Have a great holiday week! Merry Xmas!!

jesse