Part 10/12:
He also shares personal advice: balancing directness with empathy, especially when giving feedback, can be more effective for leaders who don't share Musk's neurological makeup. Some strategies include "feedback sandwiches"—starting with praise, offering constructive criticism, and ending on an encouraging note—to maintain morale while still pushing for results.
The Broader Reflection: What Musk’s Approach Means for Society
Isaacson concludes by contemplating Musk’s approach in the broader context of American innovation. Musk’s obsession with risk, speed, and results is both a necessary exception in an overly cautious world and a driver of technological breakthroughs like SpaceX’s rockets and Tesla’s electric cars.