Lessons to learn from the Rahul Yadav story!

Had Rahul Yadav lost interest in Housing? That's the question being asked after the 26-year-old cofounder and CEO of real estate listings website Housing.com was fired in a board meeting held early on Wednesday for "his behavior towards investors, ecosystem and the media."

With him courting one controversy after the other over the past four months, many in the start up community had started to address if the individualist was keen on building the business. The Housing Board consistently consented to bring Yadav’s tenure to a close, with reference to his behavior towards investors, ecosystem and the media.

The Board believed that his behavior is not befitting of a CEO and is adverse to the organization, known for its creative approach to deal with product development, market expansion, and brand building," said a statement from the company.

Formerly, he had resigned claiming that the board didn’t have the similar skills and intellectual capacity as him. Later, he withdrew his resignation and apologized for his behavior and the language used in his letter which helped him reinstate at the end of the day. With the record of being reckless and sometimes socially repugnant, Yadav turned out to be a hard nut to crack for investors, who at last pulled the plug from Yadav and had to let him go.Things that budding entrepreneurs need to learn from Rahul Yadav:

1. Humilityis above money.

The resignation that Rahul Yadav sent to MD of Sequoia Capital India, Shailendra Singh last december was quite foul mouthed. This resignation mail was shared on public platform while many employees were tagged in it. Words like "Go die motherF*****" were used in his 2nd mail though Shailendra Singh was humble in his reply. Above all the money that is raised, there exists humility and humanity which cannot be replaced. Though investors were ready to invest in Housing.com, the egotism of Rahul Yadav was visible and upfront which is unacceptable for a healthy business.

2. State of Mind is reflected by your communication.

If certain psychologist is consulted to analyze the sentences that Rahul Yadav used, there will be

some interesting case studies. His resignation letter includes sentences like:

"If you don’t stop messing around with me, directly or even indirectly, I will vacate the best of your firm"

"Also, this marks the beginning of the end of Sequoia Capital in India"

"And unlike being fake like you, I’ll be true here – I do not wish good for you or your firm until

"I don’t think you guys are intellectually capable enough to have any sensible discussion anymore"

"I had calculated long back (by taking avg life expectancy minus avg sleeping hrs) that I only have 3L (hours) in my life. 3L hrs are certainly not much to waste with you guys!"

Being not only a professional but also a CEO of a company, there are communication ethics that should be followed. The above sentences potray Rahul Yadav as a twenty something arrogant and reckless entrepreneur.

3. Listening is more important than replying.

Being an internet based start up, online advertising is the most feasible advertising for Housing.com. But, Housing.com indulged in outdoor advertising strategies which was seen on almost every major hoarding. The expenditure for this was more than Rs. 250 crore. When Alok Kejriwal asked Rahul Yadav about this strategy, Rahul Yadav termed him 'dumb' on social media platform. An entrepreneur who is leading a company of Rs. 1500 crore, certainly needs to learn the art of listening and then interacting.

The height on which Rahul Yadav has taken Hosuing.com is certainly commendable but we hope and believe that such an inspirational CEO will act with humility. There are people in India who look upto Rahul Yadav as a youth icon for inspiration and guidance.

If you too have entrepreneurial dreams, you need to have faith in your Chatur Idea. You will always wonder who will fund this idea and from where will you find investors. In that case, you can participate in the #BeAChatur Contest and not only be mentored, but also stand a chance to win a whopping Rs.10 Lac funding for your dream startup idea.

Devesh Chawla is the author of this article on Business Mentors. Find more information, about Business Startup Ideas