Couldn't agree more. These brainwashing tactics are used throughout the industry, not just startups. It's a disgusting approach and be responded with firm regulation and, where appropriate, class action.
I think some companies can get it wrong. I think others do a phenomenal job. Companies like Stripe, Twilio and Airbnb have incredible missions that tons of people love to support - even people who don’t work there. I think that’s an incredible thing.
> Companies like [...] Airbnb have incredible missions
To destroy the idea of civil society and collaborative neighborhoods (even moreso than already done) and inflict the effects of negative externalities on people not involved in the transaction? If I were a cynic (and I am), I would say that belief in this "incredible mission" is a good way to undermine basic social responsibility.
We're all grownups. If you can't follow someone who leads through vision, why aren't you starting your own gig, with your own vision?
It's not brainwashing, it's selecting for shared values.
I became part of a company whose vision tactics I had to deal with, as the ultimate skeptic. At first I was like you, "No one's going to tell me..." Then I put myself in the shoes of the founder and decided that his vision was, in fact, acceptable. What you call brainwashing was simply reducing friction for those who would benefit from a little perspective.
Believe me, I was skeptical far into my employment. But I didn't obsess on the tactics, I focused on results of the company and myself.
If you're seriously calling for class action, you're beyond hope. And I'm about as far from a John Galt, pro-capitalist shill as you can get...
I think some companies can get it wrong. I think others do a phenomenal job. Companies like Stripe, Twilio and Airbnb have incredible missions that tons of people love to support - even people who don’t work there. I think that’s an incredible thing.