Elon Musk's late meeting raises employee morale concerns

Elon Musk recently held a late-night all-hands meeting at Tesla, which highlights his unique approach to leadership. Unlike most CEOs, Musk is known for demanding a lot from his employees, often pushing boundaries in a way that others cannot. However, leadership experts warn that there are limits to this style. The late timing of the meeting, held at 9 p.m., may create feelings of uncertainty among employees and could hurt morale. Melissa Schilling, a professor at NYU, noted that such sudden meetings might suggest Musk is unprepared and signifies that employee time is not valued. Musk's commitment to his work is notable. He has a history of long hours, including sleeping on the factory floor during tough times. Even with strong expectations, experts say that Musk's unusual methods may not be sustainable indefinitely. Tesla has faced recent challenges, including a dip in stock prices and vandalism issues. Musk addressed these during the meeting, encouraging employees to hold onto their shares and promoting new projects like the Cybercab. While many employees appreciate his direct engagement, experts believe he must show consistent support to maintain their trust. Despite Musk’s unconventional style, he remains a compelling figure. His direct communication may resonate with employees and give them reassurance, but there’s caution that this approach may not be effective forever. Leaders like Musk can ask a lot from their teams, but experts emphasize that not all CEOs have the same influence or loyalty from their workers.