1 big thing: The outsize power of tiny breaks

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1 big thing: The heroes that inspire us

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1 big thing: What we get wrong about stress

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1 big thing: The gift of candor 

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On Thursdays, Axios CEO Jim VandeHei brings us lessons on life and leadership. He loves your feedback: jim@axios.com.

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1 big thing: Why you or your kids should start a company 

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Welcome back. Axios CEO Jim VandeHei is your host tonight. He'd love to hear from you at jim@axios.com.

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National

This article originally appeared in Axios Finish Line, our nightly newsletter on life, leadership and wellness. Sign up here. 

"Most people think they're killing it — unless told otherwise," Mike Allen loves to remind me. 

Why it matters: People are often unaware of how they're falling short of expectations at work, or in relationships — unless they're told bluntly, clearly, unambiguously. 

It took me years to see this, then put it into practice myself. And it remains the hardest thing to teach most managers of people. 

Our instinct is to dance around the tough stuff — or hide it in unrelated compliments or puddles of words. 

So the person walks away thinking ... they're killing it.

Here's how we teach leaders to give the gift of candor:

Be specific. Leave no room for confusion. The person should know exactly what they're doing wrong or insufficiently. Don't hide it. Don't sugarcoat it. 

Be timely. Most of us want to avert our gaze — it's uncomfortable to give tough feedback. But the moment you spot a pattern or problem, pounce. Every day you wait is a day the person isn't improving.

Be prescriptive. Everyone deserves a chance to improve. (Most people welcome it!) Offer, with precision, what they need to do differently to reverse the pattern or problem. Give a specific timeframe — weeks, not months. 

Be encouraging. If they can change, tell them you believe in them and their capacity to bounce back. You just delivered sour news. Sending them into a tailspin is bad for them — and you. 

Be decisive. It hurts those who are killing it if you keep problematic people around. Managers spend too much time on underperformers — a time and energy suck for the whole team.

Reality check: This works both ways. Most managers don’t seek nearly enough feedback about themselves.

As a strong, candid manager — or, in a social situation, friend — you need to give the person space to respond to your feedback. 

Done right, you'll learn from each other.

The bottom line: Playing make-believe robs the person of the chance to step up — or find a better fit.

Axios Finish Line: The gift of candor

"Most people think they're killing it — unless told otherwise."

Illustration of a newspaper with the Axios logo and a thought bubble.

Leadership

This article originally appeared in Axios Finish Line, our nightly newsletter on life, leadership and wellness. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sign up here" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/signup/am-pm" data-vars-content-id="8253161c-e883-40b1-951a-e29881bc1e8b" data-vars-headline="Axios Finish Line: The gift of candor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/signup/am-pm" target="_self">Sign up here</a>. &quot;Most people think they&#x27;re killing it — unless told otherwise,&quot; Mike Allen loves to remind me. <ul><li>Why it matters: People are often unaware of how they&#x27;re falling short of expectations at work, or in relationships — unless they&#x27;re told bluntly, clearly, unambiguously. </li></ul>It took me years to see this, then put it into practice myself. And it remains the hardest thing to teach most managers of people. <ul><li>Our instinct is to dance around the tough stuff — or hide it in unrelated compliments or puddles of words. </li><li>So the person walks away thinking ... they&#x27;re killing it.</li></ul>Here&#x27;s how we teach leaders to give the gift of candor:<ol><li>Be specific. Leave no room for confusion. The person should know exactly what they&#x27;re doing wrong or insufficiently. Don&#x27;t hide it. Don&#x27;t sugarcoat it. </li><li>Be timely. Most of us want to avert our gaze — it&#x27;s uncomfortable to give tough feedback. But the moment you spot a pattern or problem, pounce. Every day you wait is a day the person isn&#x27;t improving.</li><li>Be prescriptive. Everyone deserves a chance to improve. (Most people welcome it!) Offer, with precision, what they need to do differently to reverse the pattern or problem. Give a specific timeframe — weeks, not months. </li><li>Be encouraging. If they can change, tell them you believe in them and their capacity to bounce back. You just delivered sour news. Sending them into a tailspin is bad for them — and you. </li><li>Be decisive. It hurts those who are killing it if you keep problematic people around. Managers spend too much time on underperformers — a time and energy suck for the whole team.</li></ol>Reality check: This works both ways. Most managers don’t seek nearly enough feedback about themselves.<ul><li>As a strong, candid manager — or, in a social situation, friend — you need to give the person space to respond to your feedback. </li><li>Done right, you&#x27;ll learn from each other.</li></ul>The bottom line: Playing make-believe robs the person of the chance to step up — or find a better fit.

After a record economic expansion, the coronavirus pandemic sent the U.S. economy into a recession as unemployment soared to staggering heights. The country now faces urgent questions about how much stimulus is needed for reeling consumers and businesses, and what a recovery might look like.

Economy & Business

My new obsession is that most of America is exponentially more normal than cable TV, Twitter and the most-read mainstream stories make it seem, Jim writes.

Why it matters: The past few months prove that for all the hyperventilating and self-loathing, normal America is prevailing over the loudmouths on the left and the right who dominate our screens.

Before you email me that I'm nuts, let's go to the tape: 

Most election deniers running for positions to manage elections were defeated, contrary to widespread worries.

We had a razor-thin election for control of Congress, yet virtually everyone accepted the results, even when the vote-counting dragged on for days. Minimal protests followed.

The nation is on the brink of federal protection for same-sex marriage, with 71% of Americans in support of it — unthinkable less than a decade ago.

Democrats have mostly dropped their "defund the police" calls, replaced by a general consensus that police are a vital, if imperfect, part of safer communities.

There has been a healthy pushback against obsessive word policing on one side and blatantly insensitive language on the other. Outside of Twitter and talk shows, how many people do you actually know obsessed with canceling people or doing things worthy of canceling?

Our justice system seems to be working or holding. Two leaders of the Oath Keepers were just convicted of sedition for Jan. 6 plotting, and the best I can tell, few took to the streets in protest. 

The big picture: Yes, politics remains alarmingly polarized and Twitter, a hot mess. At the same time, most of America is busy being more nuanced and normal than what you often see on the screen. 

Axios Finish Line: Normal America strikes back

Most of America is busy being more nuanced and normal than what you often see on the screen.

Political polarization

Politics & Policy

We live in a world where bombastic CEOs, loudmouth politicians and Twitter tantrums often command our attention online.

Why it matters: Let’s give thanks that most people in our real lives are ... normal. They work, they give, they help, they live quietly and generously.

First, think of the 100+ people you spend enough time with each year to appraise their character and values. I bet almost all are good, sane, worthy friends.

Now, think about your coming Thanksgiving meal. Maybe one loud uncle who slams one too many whiskeys will dominate the conversation. That’s social media! And it’s not reality.

🔭 Zoom way out: The chief reason so many people seem nuts or unhinged is because Twitter, cable TV and TikTok amplify the drunk uncle. 

And because the uncle gets liked, followed, and invited back, he has an irresistible incentive to get nuttier. 

This loop creates the false impression that more people than we think are bat-shit crazy. 

Hence, the thought experiment above re: people you actually know.

Two stats to savor when you think the world has lost its mind: 

On an average weeknight in January, just 1% of U.S. adults watched primetime Fox News and 0.5% tuned into MSNBC.

The bottom line: Everyone else is too busy being ... normal.

In an online world, we're thankful for real people

Let’s give thanks that most people in our real lives are normal.

Thanksgiving

We live in a world where bombastic CEOs, loudmouth politicians and Twitter tantrums often command our attention online.Why it matters: Let’s give thanks that most people in our real lives are ... normal. They work, they give, they help, they live quietly and generously.

I was among the most unremarkable, underachieving, unimpressive 20-year-olds you would have stumbled across in 1991. 

Reeling with a 1.491 GPA, I drank copious amount of beer, smoked Camels and delivered pizza.

There was good reason my high school guidance counselor told my deflated parents there was no way I was college-bound after graduating in the bottom third of my 100-person class at Lourdes Academy in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. 

And good reason I had to attend the University of Wisconsin-Menasha Extension, a two-year school just to smuggle myself into the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, a four-year one in my hometown. It took years to erase that 1.491 pearl. 

Why it matters: The fact that 30 years later I have helped start three companies, Politico, Axios & Axios HQ — creating nearly 2,000 jobs — shows what an amazing place America is for ordinary people to build businesses.

Too many people too often whine about America’s flaws. But there is no better place to start a company. And no better time to do it than now. 

Here are five reasons why you should consider launching — or joining — a startup: 

1. It beats the hell out of working for the man. Few things are more liberating or intoxicating than controlling your own fate. Yes, it’s terrifying. But if you are young and/or free of responsibility, take wild risks to do things you truly love — on your terms.

2. Fail up! The best piece of advice I got when I almost chickened out of starting Politico was an aside from a lawyer: “Worst case, you’ll fail up!” Everything you learn by trying and failing proves indispensable in whatever’s next. 

3. Discover the real you. Nothing reveals true spirit, grit, and creativity like starting something with a high probability of flopping. It’s easy to be cool, nice and sane when things are easy. Fear and exhaustion unearth unfathomable layers. 

4. Get a free Masters in psychology. There is no better lens into what makes people tick than watching them work under pressure, on an impossible mission, with total reliance on each other. It’s ugly, beautiful, enlightening, and vitally instructive.

5. Make a difference. Any good entrepreneurial idea solves a big problem for individuals, business or society. If you nail it, you make the world a better place and create jobs and wealth for others. 

The big picture: Notice what I left out — the possibility of getting rich yourself. 

Do it because you believe in an idea or yourself, not simply to make a lot of coin.

Chances are you will fail anyway. But, trust me, it’s worth it. 

Axios Finish Line: Why you should start a company

Few things are more liberating or intoxicating than controlling your own fate.

Startups

I was among the most unremarkable, underachieving, unimpressive 20-year-olds you would have stumbled across in 1991. <ul><li>Reeling with a 1.491 GPA, I drank copious amount of beer, smoked Camels and delivered pizza.</li><li>There was good reason my high school guidance counselor told my deflated parents there was no way I was college-bound after graduating in the bottom third of my 100-person class at Lourdes Academy in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. </li><li>And good reason I had to attend the University of Wisconsin-Menasha Extension, a two-year school just to smuggle myself into the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, a four-year one in my hometown. It took years to erase that 1.491 pearl. </li></ul>Why it matters: The fact that 30 years later I have helped start three companies, Politico, Axios &amp; Axios HQ — creating nearly 2,000 jobs — shows what an amazing place America is for ordinary people to build businesses.<ul><li>Too many people too often whine about America’s flaws. But there is no better place to start a company. And no better time to do it than now. </li></ul>Here are five reasons why you should consider launching — or joining — a startup: 1. It beats the hell out of working for the man. Few things are more liberating or intoxicating than controlling your own fate. Yes, it’s terrifying. But if you are young and/or free of responsibility, take wild risks to do things you truly love — on your terms.2. Fail up! The best piece of advice I got when I almost chickened out of starting Politico was an aside from a lawyer: “Worst case, you’ll fail up!” Everything you learn by trying and failing proves indispensable in whatever’s next. 3. Discover the real you. Nothing reveals true spirit, grit, and creativity like starting something with a high probability of flopping. It’s easy to be cool, nice and sane when things are easy. Fear and exhaustion unearth unfathomable layers. 4. Get a free Masters in psychology. There is no better lens into what makes people tick than watching them work under pressure, on an impossible mission, with total reliance on each other. It’s ugly, beautiful, enlightening, and vitally instructive.5. Make a difference. Any good entrepreneurial idea solves a big problem for individuals, business or society. If you nail it, you make the world a better place and create jobs and wealth for others. The big picture: Notice what I left out — the possibility of getting rich yourself. <ul><li>Do it because you believe in an idea or yourself, not simply to make a lot of coin.</li><li>Chances are you will fail anyway. But, trust me, it’s worth it. </li></ul>

Chicago

Axios Chicago

This Sunday marks the 206th time the Bears have played the Green Bay Packers. 

Both teams are underperforming this year, but the winner of this intense rivalry will become the franchise with the most NFL regular season wins of all time. 

Today we turn to Axios CEO Jim VandeHei — who grew up in Oshkosh rooting for the Packers — for Wisconsin tailgate picks to help us eat the Cheeseheads' lunch.

First course: "Start with charcoal-grilled Johnsonville brats. Boil them and then bathe them in Point beer. Add onions."  

Deep fried cheese curds from Cheesie's. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios

Second course: "Deep-fried cheese curds." 

"These sound worthy: Hickory bacon curds from Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery in Ellsworth. They've won championship cheese contests." 

Third course: "Wash it down with some beer cheese soup and a side of Spotted Cow."  

As for the game, Jim is hoping his Packers make a run despite Aaron Rodgers' rib injury. 

The Bears, on the other hand, are now playing to lose — which would mean better draft picks next year. 

Eat Their Lunch: Green Bay Packers

Our CEO shares how to prepare a proper Wisconsin feast for Bears vs. Packers.

David Montgomery runs against the Packers at Lambeau Field this year. Photo: Michael Reaves/Getty Images

National Football League (NFL)

This Sunday marks the 206th time the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bears have played the Green Bay Packers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bears/ct-viz-bears-packers-rivalry-since-1921-htmlstory.html" data-vars-content-id="e612af2d-3899-4737-b08b-7a096fe62eb3" data-vars-headline="Eat Their Lunch: Green Bay Packers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bears/ct-viz-bears-packers-rivalry-since-1921-htmlstory.html" target="_blank">Bears have played the Green Bay Packers</a>. <ul><li>Both teams are underperforming this year, but the winner of this intense rivalry will become the franchise with the most <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NFL regular season wins" data-vars-click-url="https://graphics.axios.com/2022-12-01-nfl-wins-bills/index.html?" data-vars-content-id="e612af2d-3899-4737-b08b-7a096fe62eb3" data-vars-headline="Eat Their Lunch: Green Bay Packers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://graphics.axios.com/2022-12-01-nfl-wins-bills/index.html?" target="_blank">NFL regular season wins</a> of all time. </li></ul>

Jim VandeHei

Stories

Axios Finish Line: The gift of candor

Axios Finish Line: Why you should start a company

Eat Their Lunch: Green Bay Packers

Axios Finish Line: Normal America strikes back

In an online world, we're thankful for real people

Newsletter editions

🏁 Axios Finish Line: The gift of candor

🏁 Axios Finish Line: Dismantling a medical myth

🏁 Axios Finish Line: Take a break!

🏁 Axios Finish Line: Our heroes

🏁 Axios Finish Line: Start something