Facebook celebrated its 20th anniversary a fortnight ago, bringing back a flood of memories from my time there between 2011 and 2013! Working and learning in such an environment was an absolute privilege. Let me share with you three key takeaways from my stint at Facebook:
1. The Power of a Mission
Being mission-driven propels an organization forward. Facebook, or Meta as it’s known today, showcased this ethos more effectively than any other company I’ve had the pleasure to work with. “Make the world more open and connected” was not merely a slogan but our guiding star. Immersed in a culture that reminded us “we’re 1% done,” we always focused on the journey ahead, instead of resting on our laurels.
2. Values as the Backbone
Values shape a company’s culture. At Facebook, we didn’t just see values as words on a page; they guided every task we undertook. Phrases like “Move Fast, Be Bold, Focus on Impact, Build Trust” were not just slogans but principles that directed our objectives and work methods.
Particularly, “Focus on Impact” resonated with me deeply. The saying “Don’t confuse motion with progress” highlighted the importance of impactful actions over mere busyness. This insight became a guiding light for me, especially as I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey. Additionally, displaying these values across all offices served as a constant reminder of our core beliefs, helping to maintain consistency.
3. Leveraging Your Strengths
I have always been a positive person, but a transformative workshop at Facebook revealed I had been focusing too much on improving my weaknesses rather than enhancing my strengths.
We actively practiced a strengths-based execution approach, with my managers significantly contributing to adopting this mindset. This change in perspective has profoundly influenced my work and leadership style across different settings. For those interested in discovering their strengths, I recommend exploring StrengthsFinder as a starting point.
Reflecting on those years, the lessons and growth I experienced at Facebook have been foundational, and continue to influence me. Thank you for taking a moment to revisit this chapter of my life with me.
Photos:
- Listing Day in 2011 — the day Facebook went public on the NYSE, with Zuck ringing the bell. We celebrated this milestone at the Hyderabad Office. Can you spot me in the photo?
- A candid snap at work.
- My farewell from Facebook in August 2013.
