Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login
Ed Catmull of Pixar on why successful companies fail (VIDEO 2007) (youtube.com)
1 point by gdubs on March 14, 2012 | hide | past | favorite | 1 comment



Lot's of interesting points in the video, but perhaps my favorite has to do with daily iteration and review.

At a place like Pixar where there are so many talented animators, someone might feel intimidated showing sketches/work in progress (not everyone there is trained in Fine Art). By making everyone present daily, it means that the things being presented will tend to be in rough form, relieving the pressure to be 'perfect'.

It also prevents people from holding onto things that are done, waiting for them to be 'perfect'. When things are done, they're done.

The talk is worth watching; here's an overview of his other points:

+ It must be safe for people to tell the truth

+ Communication should not mirror the organizational hierarchy

+ People and how they function are more important than ideas

+ Do not let sucess mask problems through deep assessment




Consider applying for YC's Spring batch! Applications are open till Feb 11.

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: