Marc Randolph, co-founder and former CEO of Netflix, shared a handwritten note from his father on X, outlining seven principles for success. This note was given to Randolph before he started his first job.
“When I was twenty-one years old, fresh out of college and about to start my first job, my father gave me a handwritten list of instructions,” wrote Randolph on X.
Randolph’s father advised him to “do at least 10% more than you are asked.” Another recommendation was to “never, ever, to anybody, present as fact, opinions on things you don’t know. Take great care and discipline.” The third rule was to “be courteous and considerate always— up and down.”
The fourth principle on the note was to “not knock and complain” and to “stick to constructive, serious criticism.” The fifth piece of advice was, “Don’t be afraid to make decisions when you have the facts on which to make them.”
The final three suggestions were to “quantify where possible,” “be open-minded but sceptical,” and “be prompt.”
Randolph shared the note on June 1, and it has since garnered over 61,800 views, with many people commenting their thoughts.
One person wrote, “This is a great list. I love ‘do at least 10% more than you are asked’.” Another added, “Excellent list.” A third expressed, “There should be a rule, when applying to the parenthood license, to come up with a list to be handed over to your kids. Great dad!” A fourth commented, “Seems like your dad’s list is the cheat sheet to adulthood we all.” A fifth shared, “Solid list! Love the idea of passing down a handwritten note. Might have to do something similar as the kids go off to college,” while a sixth agreed, “This is great.”
