What You Do Is Who You Are: How to Create Your Business Culture

by Ben Horowitz

As soon as Stoney entered the prison, he began attending the services of the Nation of Islam. New prisoners often did this to get protection. The Nation was powerful, not just in our prison, but in prisons nationwide. It provided the highest form of safety. I called a meeting with Money Man, the head of the Nation of Islam. I explained that I had no choice but to take Stoney out. However, out of respect, I wanted to give him the chance to turn the guy over to me. Money Man took my request seriously, but replied, “Okay, you can have him—but one of your members killed one of my members’ cousins. I need that guy in exchange.” Turning over one of my guys in a hostage exchange would violate our loyalty principle. So I came back with, “My guy is a member. The guy I want is your guest, not your member. That’s not an exchange I’m willing to make.” We continued negotiating for three weeks with no progress. I had to make a choice: take Stoney out and risk war with the Nation of Islam or leave him alone and risk undermining my entire culture. I chose the former. I talked to two of my most loyal members who were both doing life sentences and never getting out. I told them what needed to be done, and they did it without hesitation. Then we waited for the repercussions. The repercussions never came. Our culture was so strong that not even the Nation of Islam wanted to go to war with us over a guest. Money Man ultimately respected our logic, backed by our strength. My decision solidified...