10 important lessons learned from startups

1. Don't make promises lightly. If you make them, keep them.
2. Set clear goals. Every week needs to be purposeful.
3. Let other people's ideas shine through. As an employee, it feels good to have the autonomy of an owner. As an owner, it's valuable to know that your employees are engaged.
4. Believe other people have your best interest at heart. If you hear critiques, believe that they might be real. 
5. Don't talk too much. The less you talk, the more your words matter. 
6. Don't tell people how much you know, or how qualified you are. Prove it.
7. Deadlines matter. Stick them, and keep to them. 
8. Be transparent on all fronts, and keep collaboration and communication channels open and active. 
9. Don't complain- we've all got our own problems.
10. If you hire someone, know what they're doing and tell them what you're doing. Your work should be aligned, and rarely divergent. Grow like a stalk without leaves- leaves waste energy.