Funny Humility From Groupon’s CEO

Written by

Julia Kirby, the amazing editor from HBR, who among many other things, made The No Asshole Rule possible, just sent me this great note about a Forbes story on Groupon CEO Andrew Mason:

The money quote from Groupon's CEO: "Most CEOs will make stuff up about themselves to sound way smarter and cooler and people are disappointed to find out otherwise. I decided to set the bar very low and make up lies about myself that make me sound lame.”

Very refreshing! Not a bad life strategy — there is an argument for delivering more than you promise, and this is a rather intriguing strategy for making that happen!

Comments

88 responses to “Funny Humility From Groupon’s CEO”

March 24, 2011

Xuan Luo

That is interesting! Usually people exaggerate things to get more attentions. Mason made it by swimming against the tide.

Reply
March 24, 2011

Xuan Luo

That is interesting! Usually people exaggerate things to get more attentions. Mason made it by swimming against the tide.

Reply
March 24, 2011

Xuan Luo

That is interesting! Usually people exaggerate things to get more attentions. Mason made it by swimming against the tide.

Reply
March 24, 2011

Xuan Luo

That is interesting! Usually people exaggerate things to get more attentions. Mason made it by swimming against the tide.

Reply
March 24, 2011

Xuan Luo

That is interesting! Usually people exaggerate things to get more attentions. Mason made it by swimming against the tide.

Reply
March 24, 2011

Xuan Luo

That is interesting! Usually people exaggerate things to get more attentions. Mason made it by swimming against the tide.

Reply
March 24, 2011

Xuan Luo

That is interesting! Usually people exaggerate things to get more attentions. Mason made it by swimming against the tide.

Reply
March 24, 2011

Xuan Luo

That is interesting! Usually people exaggerate things to get more attentions. Mason made it by swimming against the tide.

Reply
March 25, 2011

kj

Interesting! I think doing both extremes – exaggeration as well as humility are ineffective if consistently used. In both cases, you are essentially lying.
I could immediately think of one person when you quoted this example. Fake humility becomes irritating after a point of time. And people collectively find this person quite annoying.
On a lighter note, i like this quote told to me by a friend “dont be so humble, you are not that great !” (as humility too assumes that you think high of your self)

Reply
March 25, 2011

kj

Interesting! I think doing both extremes – exaggeration as well as humility are ineffective if consistently used. In both cases, you are essentially lying.
I could immediately think of one person when you quoted this example. Fake humility becomes irritating after a point of time. And people collectively find this person quite annoying.
On a lighter note, i like this quote told to me by a friend “dont be so humble, you are not that great !” (as humility too assumes that you think high of your self)

Reply
March 25, 2011

kj

Interesting! I think doing both extremes – exaggeration as well as humility are ineffective if consistently used. In both cases, you are essentially lying.
I could immediately think of one person when you quoted this example. Fake humility becomes irritating after a point of time. And people collectively find this person quite annoying.
On a lighter note, i like this quote told to me by a friend “dont be so humble, you are not that great !” (as humility too assumes that you think high of your self)

Reply
March 25, 2011

kj

Interesting! I think doing both extremes – exaggeration as well as humility are ineffective if consistently used. In both cases, you are essentially lying.
I could immediately think of one person when you quoted this example. Fake humility becomes irritating after a point of time. And people collectively find this person quite annoying.
On a lighter note, i like this quote told to me by a friend “dont be so humble, you are not that great !” (as humility too assumes that you think high of your self)

Reply
March 25, 2011

kj

Interesting! I think doing both extremes – exaggeration as well as humility are ineffective if consistently used. In both cases, you are essentially lying.
I could immediately think of one person when you quoted this example. Fake humility becomes irritating after a point of time. And people collectively find this person quite annoying.
On a lighter note, i like this quote told to me by a friend “dont be so humble, you are not that great !” (as humility too assumes that you think high of your self)

Reply
March 25, 2011

kj

Interesting! I think doing both extremes – exaggeration as well as humility are ineffective if consistently used. In both cases, you are essentially lying.
I could immediately think of one person when you quoted this example. Fake humility becomes irritating after a point of time. And people collectively find this person quite annoying.
On a lighter note, i like this quote told to me by a friend “dont be so humble, you are not that great !” (as humility too assumes that you think high of your self)

Reply
March 25, 2011

kj

Interesting! I think doing both extremes – exaggeration as well as humility are ineffective if consistently used. In both cases, you are essentially lying.
I could immediately think of one person when you quoted this example. Fake humility becomes irritating after a point of time. And people collectively find this person quite annoying.
On a lighter note, i like this quote told to me by a friend “dont be so humble, you are not that great !” (as humility too assumes that you think high of your self)

Reply
March 25, 2011

kj

Interesting! I think doing both extremes – exaggeration as well as humility are ineffective if consistently used. In both cases, you are essentially lying.
I could immediately think of one person when you quoted this example. Fake humility becomes irritating after a point of time. And people collectively find this person quite annoying.
On a lighter note, i like this quote told to me by a friend “dont be so humble, you are not that great !” (as humility too assumes that you think high of your self)

Reply
March 25, 2011

C L Khoo

That’s fine if you are self-employed, but if you are employed by someone else, one may not find the job available any longer.

Reply
March 25, 2011

C L Khoo

That’s fine if you are self-employed, but if you are employed by someone else, one may not find the job available any longer.

Reply
March 25, 2011

C L Khoo

That’s fine if you are self-employed, but if you are employed by someone else, one may not find the job available any longer.

Reply
March 25, 2011

C L Khoo

That’s fine if you are self-employed, but if you are employed by someone else, one may not find the job available any longer.

Reply
March 25, 2011

C L Khoo

That’s fine if you are self-employed, but if you are employed by someone else, one may not find the job available any longer.

Reply
March 25, 2011

C L Khoo

That’s fine if you are self-employed, but if you are employed by someone else, one may not find the job available any longer.

Reply
March 25, 2011

C L Khoo

That’s fine if you are self-employed, but if you are employed by someone else, one may not find the job available any longer.

Reply
March 25, 2011

C L Khoo

That’s fine if you are self-employed, but if you are employed by someone else, one may not find the job available any longer.

Reply
March 26, 2011

davidburkus

Great story. We’ll see how it works. Thanks for sharing.

Reply
March 26, 2011

davidburkus

Great story. We’ll see how it works. Thanks for sharing.

Reply
March 26, 2011

davidburkus

Great story. We’ll see how it works. Thanks for sharing.

Reply
March 26, 2011

davidburkus

Great story. We’ll see how it works. Thanks for sharing.

Reply
March 26, 2011

davidburkus

Great story. We’ll see how it works. Thanks for sharing.

Reply
March 26, 2011

davidburkus

Great story. We’ll see how it works. Thanks for sharing.

Reply
March 26, 2011

davidburkus

Great story. We’ll see how it works. Thanks for sharing.

Reply
March 26, 2011

davidburkus

Great story. We’ll see how it works. Thanks for sharing.

Reply
April 4, 2011

greg

I do like this story, but i think it could be better to not put too much out and to let one’s actions speak for themselves

Reply
April 4, 2011

greg

I do like this story, but i think it could be better to not put too much out and to let one’s actions speak for themselves

Reply
April 4, 2011

greg

I do like this story, but i think it could be better to not put too much out and to let one’s actions speak for themselves

Reply
April 4, 2011

greg

I do like this story, but i think it could be better to not put too much out and to let one’s actions speak for themselves

Reply
April 4, 2011

greg

I do like this story, but i think it could be better to not put too much out and to let one’s actions speak for themselves

Reply
April 4, 2011

greg

I do like this story, but i think it could be better to not put too much out and to let one’s actions speak for themselves

Reply
April 4, 2011

greg

I do like this story, but i think it could be better to not put too much out and to let one’s actions speak for themselves

Reply
April 4, 2011

greg

I do like this story, but i think it could be better to not put too much out and to let one’s actions speak for themselves

Reply
April 4, 2011

Meng

It is interesting. However, in terms of tasks, exaggeration may sometimes promote and inspire us to work harder to achieve a higher goal.

Reply
April 4, 2011

Meng

It is interesting. However, in terms of tasks, exaggeration may sometimes promote and inspire us to work harder to achieve a higher goal.

Reply
April 4, 2011

Meng

It is interesting. However, in terms of tasks, exaggeration may sometimes promote and inspire us to work harder to achieve a higher goal.

Reply
April 4, 2011

Meng

It is interesting. However, in terms of tasks, exaggeration may sometimes promote and inspire us to work harder to achieve a higher goal.

Reply
April 4, 2011

Meng

It is interesting. However, in terms of tasks, exaggeration may sometimes promote and inspire us to work harder to achieve a higher goal.

Reply
April 4, 2011

Meng

It is interesting. However, in terms of tasks, exaggeration may sometimes promote and inspire us to work harder to achieve a higher goal.

Reply
April 4, 2011

Meng

It is interesting. However, in terms of tasks, exaggeration may sometimes promote and inspire us to work harder to achieve a higher goal.

Reply
April 4, 2011

Meng

It is interesting. However, in terms of tasks, exaggeration may sometimes promote and inspire us to work harder to achieve a higher goal.

Reply
April 11, 2011

michaelwong43

Under-promise and over-deliver. Great strategy!
Not only because you will exceed people’s expectations most of the time, but also because you will be seen as down to earth.
I don’t know if it’s a myth of not, but I remember reading that Jimi Hendrix used to do this. Pretend he was stoned even on those rare times he wasn’t. Pretend to be dumb, when he was in fact quite intelligent. Just to see if people tried to mess with him.

Reply
April 11, 2011

michaelwong43

Under-promise and over-deliver. Great strategy!
Not only because you will exceed people’s expectations most of the time, but also because you will be seen as down to earth.
I don’t know if it’s a myth of not, but I remember reading that Jimi Hendrix used to do this. Pretend he was stoned even on those rare times he wasn’t. Pretend to be dumb, when he was in fact quite intelligent. Just to see if people tried to mess with him.

Reply
April 11, 2011

michaelwong43

Under-promise and over-deliver. Great strategy!
Not only because you will exceed people’s expectations most of the time, but also because you will be seen as down to earth.
I don’t know if it’s a myth of not, but I remember reading that Jimi Hendrix used to do this. Pretend he was stoned even on those rare times he wasn’t. Pretend to be dumb, when he was in fact quite intelligent. Just to see if people tried to mess with him.

Reply
April 11, 2011

michaelwong43

Under-promise and over-deliver. Great strategy!
Not only because you will exceed people’s expectations most of the time, but also because you will be seen as down to earth.
I don’t know if it’s a myth of not, but I remember reading that Jimi Hendrix used to do this. Pretend he was stoned even on those rare times he wasn’t. Pretend to be dumb, when he was in fact quite intelligent. Just to see if people tried to mess with him.

Reply
April 11, 2011

michaelwong43

Under-promise and over-deliver. Great strategy!
Not only because you will exceed people’s expectations most of the time, but also because you will be seen as down to earth.
I don’t know if it’s a myth of not, but I remember reading that Jimi Hendrix used to do this. Pretend he was stoned even on those rare times he wasn’t. Pretend to be dumb, when he was in fact quite intelligent. Just to see if people tried to mess with him.

Reply
April 11, 2011

michaelwong43

Under-promise and over-deliver. Great strategy!
Not only because you will exceed people’s expectations most of the time, but also because you will be seen as down to earth.
I don’t know if it’s a myth of not, but I remember reading that Jimi Hendrix used to do this. Pretend he was stoned even on those rare times he wasn’t. Pretend to be dumb, when he was in fact quite intelligent. Just to see if people tried to mess with him.

Reply
April 11, 2011

michaelwong43

Under-promise and over-deliver. Great strategy!
Not only because you will exceed people’s expectations most of the time, but also because you will be seen as down to earth.
I don’t know if it’s a myth of not, but I remember reading that Jimi Hendrix used to do this. Pretend he was stoned even on those rare times he wasn’t. Pretend to be dumb, when he was in fact quite intelligent. Just to see if people tried to mess with him.

Reply
April 11, 2011

michaelwong43

Under-promise and over-deliver. Great strategy!
Not only because you will exceed people’s expectations most of the time, but also because you will be seen as down to earth.
I don’t know if it’s a myth of not, but I remember reading that Jimi Hendrix used to do this. Pretend he was stoned even on those rare times he wasn’t. Pretend to be dumb, when he was in fact quite intelligent. Just to see if people tried to mess with him.

Reply
April 11, 2011

Brett

Although the idea of under promising and over delivering is great I think instead of making up things about you are lame, just be humble and let the truth speak for itself. Theres no need to create stuff about yourself that isn’t true, it still brings the attention to yourself.

Reply
April 11, 2011

Brett

Although the idea of under promising and over delivering is great I think instead of making up things about you are lame, just be humble and let the truth speak for itself. Theres no need to create stuff about yourself that isn’t true, it still brings the attention to yourself.

Reply
April 11, 2011

Brett

Although the idea of under promising and over delivering is great I think instead of making up things about you are lame, just be humble and let the truth speak for itself. Theres no need to create stuff about yourself that isn’t true, it still brings the attention to yourself.

Reply
April 11, 2011

Brett

Although the idea of under promising and over delivering is great I think instead of making up things about you are lame, just be humble and let the truth speak for itself. Theres no need to create stuff about yourself that isn’t true, it still brings the attention to yourself.

Reply
April 11, 2011

Brett

Although the idea of under promising and over delivering is great I think instead of making up things about you are lame, just be humble and let the truth speak for itself. Theres no need to create stuff about yourself that isn’t true, it still brings the attention to yourself.

Reply
April 11, 2011

Brett

Although the idea of under promising and over delivering is great I think instead of making up things about you are lame, just be humble and let the truth speak for itself. Theres no need to create stuff about yourself that isn’t true, it still brings the attention to yourself.

Reply
April 11, 2011

Brett

Although the idea of under promising and over delivering is great I think instead of making up things about you are lame, just be humble and let the truth speak for itself. Theres no need to create stuff about yourself that isn’t true, it still brings the attention to yourself.

Reply
April 11, 2011

Brett

Although the idea of under promising and over delivering is great I think instead of making up things about you are lame, just be humble and let the truth speak for itself. Theres no need to create stuff about yourself that isn’t true, it still brings the attention to yourself.

Reply
May 30, 2011

Christian Shoes

I don’t know if it’s a myth of not, but I remember reading that Jimi Hendrix used to do this. Pretend he was stoned even on those rare times he wasn’t. Pretend to be dumb, when he was in fact quite intelligent. Just to see if people tried to mess with him.

Reply
May 30, 2011

Christian Shoes

I don’t know if it’s a myth of not, but I remember reading that Jimi Hendrix used to do this. Pretend he was stoned even on those rare times he wasn’t. Pretend to be dumb, when he was in fact quite intelligent. Just to see if people tried to mess with him.

Reply
May 30, 2011

Christian Shoes

I don’t know if it’s a myth of not, but I remember reading that Jimi Hendrix used to do this. Pretend he was stoned even on those rare times he wasn’t. Pretend to be dumb, when he was in fact quite intelligent. Just to see if people tried to mess with him.

Reply
May 30, 2011

Christian Shoes

I don’t know if it’s a myth of not, but I remember reading that Jimi Hendrix used to do this. Pretend he was stoned even on those rare times he wasn’t. Pretend to be dumb, when he was in fact quite intelligent. Just to see if people tried to mess with him.

Reply
May 30, 2011

Christian Shoes

I don’t know if it’s a myth of not, but I remember reading that Jimi Hendrix used to do this. Pretend he was stoned even on those rare times he wasn’t. Pretend to be dumb, when he was in fact quite intelligent. Just to see if people tried to mess with him.

Reply
May 30, 2011

Christian Shoes

I don’t know if it’s a myth of not, but I remember reading that Jimi Hendrix used to do this. Pretend he was stoned even on those rare times he wasn’t. Pretend to be dumb, when he was in fact quite intelligent. Just to see if people tried to mess with him.

Reply
May 30, 2011

Christian Shoes

I don’t know if it’s a myth of not, but I remember reading that Jimi Hendrix used to do this. Pretend he was stoned even on those rare times he wasn’t. Pretend to be dumb, when he was in fact quite intelligent. Just to see if people tried to mess with him.

Reply
May 30, 2011

Christian Shoes

I don’t know if it’s a myth of not, but I remember reading that Jimi Hendrix used to do this. Pretend he was stoned even on those rare times he wasn’t. Pretend to be dumb, when he was in fact quite intelligent. Just to see if people tried to mess with him.

Reply
June 11, 2011

Kelly Austin

This is actually my brother’s strategy. It’s working extremely well so I guess I have to rethink my strategy.

Reply
June 11, 2011

Kelly Austin

This is actually my brother’s strategy. It’s working extremely well so I guess I have to rethink my strategy.

Reply
June 11, 2011

Kelly Austin

This is actually my brother’s strategy. It’s working extremely well so I guess I have to rethink my strategy.

Reply
June 11, 2011

Kelly Austin

This is actually my brother’s strategy. It’s working extremely well so I guess I have to rethink my strategy.

Reply
June 11, 2011

Kelly Austin

This is actually my brother’s strategy. It’s working extremely well so I guess I have to rethink my strategy.

Reply
June 11, 2011

Kelly Austin

This is actually my brother’s strategy. It’s working extremely well so I guess I have to rethink my strategy.

Reply
June 11, 2011

Kelly Austin

This is actually my brother’s strategy. It’s working extremely well so I guess I have to rethink my strategy.

Reply
June 11, 2011

Kelly Austin

This is actually my brother’s strategy. It’s working extremely well so I guess I have to rethink my strategy.

Reply
July 27, 2011

louboutin

Most CEOs will make stuff up about themselves to sound way smarter and cooler and people are disappointed to find out otherwise. I decided to set the bar very low and make up lies about myself that make me sound lame.

Reply
July 27, 2011

louboutin

Most CEOs will make stuff up about themselves to sound way smarter and cooler and people are disappointed to find out otherwise. I decided to set the bar very low and make up lies about myself that make me sound lame.

Reply
July 27, 2011

louboutin

Most CEOs will make stuff up about themselves to sound way smarter and cooler and people are disappointed to find out otherwise. I decided to set the bar very low and make up lies about myself that make me sound lame.

Reply
July 27, 2011

louboutin

Most CEOs will make stuff up about themselves to sound way smarter and cooler and people are disappointed to find out otherwise. I decided to set the bar very low and make up lies about myself that make me sound lame.

Reply
July 27, 2011

louboutin

Most CEOs will make stuff up about themselves to sound way smarter and cooler and people are disappointed to find out otherwise. I decided to set the bar very low and make up lies about myself that make me sound lame.

Reply
July 27, 2011

louboutin

Most CEOs will make stuff up about themselves to sound way smarter and cooler and people are disappointed to find out otherwise. I decided to set the bar very low and make up lies about myself that make me sound lame.

Reply
July 27, 2011

louboutin

Most CEOs will make stuff up about themselves to sound way smarter and cooler and people are disappointed to find out otherwise. I decided to set the bar very low and make up lies about myself that make me sound lame.

Reply
July 27, 2011

louboutin

Most CEOs will make stuff up about themselves to sound way smarter and cooler and people are disappointed to find out otherwise. I decided to set the bar very low and make up lies about myself that make me sound lame.

Reply