“The process is Magic” – Steve Jobs (Lost Interview talking about people required to make new products happen)
Steve Jobs believed customers could and should experience an in-rush of something through products. The ability to turn the idea of something into a product that leaves society better requires an “A Team”. Here are 3 insights from Steve Jobs on Team Building…
1. "I noticed that the dynamic range between what an average person could accomplish and what the best person could accomplish was 50 or 100 to 1. Given that, you're well advised to go after the cream of the cream. A small team of A+ players can run circles around a giant team of B and C players."
People make a company successful. A company will not survive without quality people, products and customers. Hiring quality talent, keeping workers engaged, and giving them, a vested interest keeps a company successful. Hiring extraordinary workers is necessary and weeds out mediocrity. Jobs believed the first ten people hired when a company is created will determine whether a company succeeds or fails.
2. “Great things in business are never done by one person. They’re done by a team of people”.
Egos can’t get in the way of work product. Recruiting a team of people that can work together, motivate each other and complement one another’s talents is essential. Team chemistry is achieved by asking questions and observing how people interact. Team players understand that doing what’s best benefits everyone including the team. Team players also create a culture of influence necessary for success.
3. “Content makes great products not process. The best people are the ones that really understand the content. They’re a pain in the butt to manage. You put up with it because they’re so great at the content”.
Content is more valuable. People who are motivated will be more engaged and willing to ask more why questions. As a company, asking why do you do things helps the company reinvent themselves and get rid of antiquated processes. Motivated people bring new ideas and keep the culture of excellence thriving.