He asked: how do you think I am performing as a leader.
Simulation used, not a rubric.
What holds: handed Swathy the week. Told Swaathi he will not live at the office. Named Varun correctly once the seat/90-day frame was dropped (would not work with a co-founder done with the industry).
What fails: Monday sit, three in the room, she offered work, he went quiet. Still has not sat Varun one-on-one. Asked for a grade instead of naming When. Same pattern as the email — next move on someone else.
Grade given: sees it, does not say it in the room. Founder with a clear head and a quiet mouth until the sit happens.
Move: sit, two of them, the sentence already named. Then he is leading. Not before.