[snowwrestler]

I've come to feel that real self-confidence is the confidence to let other people speak as long as they want, and to quietly listen to what they have to say, before responding. It takes confidence to let the center of attention go elsewhere, and trust that it can come back if it needs to.

I don't understand what about a VC workplace would require such aggressive, combative meetings. What does that accomplish that a more thoughtful meeting could not? Why can't meetings just slow down a bit and make sure everyone has the time and opportunity to say what they think?

And if they don't care what a particular person thinks, why did they invite that person to the meeting in the first place?

[anon808]

Personally, I think it's ego. Most meetings I've been in are just showcases of dick length. The best idea rarely, unfortunatley, wins the day. And it's getting worse. Venture Captial is a hits/deal driven endeavor. The more hits one gets the bigger asshole they usually become. And when youre in a room of 'hit'-makers, well there's very little room for different ideas. Its nothing new, history is full of examples. Not everyone is like this of course, but a lot are, and more are becoming. Just part of the natural cycle.

On a somewhat related not, it helps to remeber the 'con' in 'con man' refers to the word 'confidence'. Confidence is not necessarily a good personal value.