Elon Musk’s Management Style: A Culture of Long Hours and Hard Work
Underneath the joking and troll-like behavior, Elon Musk’s actions convey a powerful message. This is evident in his decision to keep Tesla’s factories open during the early days of the pandemic, stating that he would be “on the line with everyone else.” Now, as the new head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk has reportedly been sleeping in the office, just as he has done in the past at his other companies.
Musk’s sleeping at the office, first at Tesla’s factory and later at Twitter’s San Francisco headquarters, is a part of his management style. He believes that working long hours and being always available sets an example for his employees to do the same. In an interview, he explained that this approach promotes a “relentless pace and long hours, a culture he has sometimes referred to as ‘hardcore.'”
The billionaire’s latest move to sleep at DOGE’s offices, located only a four-minute walk from the White House, may seem unusual, but it is not a new behavior for him. This culture of long hours and hard work has been a key part of his leadership style, and he has often spoken about the importance of setting an example for his team.
As he begins his role as a presidential advisor, Musk’s habits may foreshadow what to expect. While federal employees have certain rights and are limited by the law, Musk’s influence is already being felt. A message sent to federal employees by the Office of Personnel Management echoes an email he sent to Twitter employees in 2022, calling for employees to be “extremely hardcore.” The message emphasizes the importance of employees being reliable, loyal, and committed to excellence, and suggests that those who do not agree may need to resign and continue to receive pay and benefits.
As Musk settles into his new role, it is clear that his leadership style and management techniques will continue to shape his approach to the federal government. While his methods may be unconventional, his ability to set an example and promote a culture of hard work and dedication is undeniable.